Northerly from City Hall c. 1883 - 1888

Curator: This albumen print, taken by M.P. Warner circa 1883 to 1888, is titled "Northerly from City Hall." It offers a panoramic view of a city nestled within a sprawling landscape. Editor: It's remarkably tranquil. The high vantage point gives a sense of order, almost like a benevolent surveyor’s gaze over the burgeoning town. Curator: Absolutely. Albumen prints, like this one, were known for their exceptional detail and tonal range, which enhanced the sense of depth and perspective in landscape photography. In terms of iconography, cities viewed from above often symbolize progress and dominion over nature, very popular ideals during that time. Editor: And I see this as more than progress. Look at how the light softens the industrial buildings and how prominently nature features. I'd argue it's not just about dominating nature but also negotiating with it. Perhaps the placement suggests an emergent awareness of ecological thinking, particularly within burgeoning industrialism. Curator: That's a compelling point. While the technology was cutting-edge at the time, we also see how Warner utilizes pictorialist techniques, softening edges to emulate painting and evoke emotion. The smokestacks hint at human impact. However, the distant mountain stands resilient and almost mocks industry as an ideal. Editor: That spire further centers it within its human context; it isn't solely about commerce or the state. The eye is carried beyond the settlement to contemplate what has lasting, transcendental meaning for future generations. It could even represent an implied social critique—how often did urbanization lead to increased social disparities? Curator: This photo offers insight into how people perceived themselves, where they belonged, and what it all meant. And that makes “Northerly from City Hall” far more than a snapshot. It embodies a dialogue between society, landscape, progress and identity. Editor: It feels less like a photograph and more like an artifact, pregnant with history, dreams, and perhaps warnings—a quiet manifesto from a bygone era about humanity's relationship with its surroundings.