Untitled (men standing outside T. Jones Cleaning and Pressing) c. 1940

Curator: This photograph, an untitled work by Hamblin Studio, depicts men standing outside T. Jones Cleaning and Pressing. It has an almost ghostly feel, doesn't it? Editor: Yes, that high contrast and those simple brick facades give it a stark, documentary feel. I wonder what kind of labor practices were in place? Curator: Absolutely. The very act of presenting and preserving cleanliness, especially within the context of class and racial dynamics, demands scrutiny. Editor: The building’s brickwork and its utilitarian design really speak to a certain kind of working-class aspiration and the materials readily available. Curator: It's compelling to consider the power dynamics inherent in the business of cleaning and pressing clothes, and who has access to those services. Editor: And how those buildings were constructed, maintained, and what resources and labor are behind the image. Curator: It certainly opens questions about value, access, and visibility. Editor: Indeed, it reveals a lot about the social fabric of the community.