Straat met Bunton's Grand Hotel in Port Elizabeth c. 1880 - 1910

This photograph, titled 'Straat met Bunton's Grand Hotel in Port Elizabeth,' offers a glimpse into the urban landscape through the lens of early photography. The photographic process, in its relative infancy, involved meticulous preparation and handling of light-sensitive materials, a craft in itself. The sepia tones result from the chemical reactions inherent in early photographic development, giving the image its distinctive antique warmth. The image making process was painstaking, demanding considerable expertise and time, a stark contrast to today’s instant digital captures. Consider the cultural and social implications of a grand hotel in this setting. It speaks to class divisions, labor, and the colonial context in which the image was captured, and prompts us to consider the relationship between aesthetics, industry and society. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we challenge the boundaries between fine art and craft, uncovering the complex meanings embedded in this historical photograph.