Brug naar Conwy Castle c. 1860 - 1865

This photograph of the bridge to Conwy Castle was made with light-sensitive chemicals on paper by A. Findlow. It’s fascinating to consider how the industrial materials of the bridge – iron cables and latticework – contrast with the ancient stone of the castle. The bridge itself is an incredible feat of engineering. Look closely, and you'll see how it was constructed from many individual components, each forged and assembled by skilled laborers. The weight and texture of these materials speak to the immense forces at play, both physical and social. The bridge enabled commerce and connection, reflecting a Victorian ambition to transform the landscape through industry. Consider also the labor involved in extracting and processing the raw materials, and the human effort required to build the bridge. In its time, this was the cutting edge of construction. This photograph asks us to consider how these elements intertwine, blurring the boundaries between the built environment, human endeavor, and the artistic representation of both.