Interieur van Westminster Abbey, met zicht op het koor c. 1850 - 1880

This is a stereoscopic card, a photographic print by Ch. Pumphrey & Co. presenting the interior of Westminster Abbey, offering a dual perspective. The composition plays with symmetry; the repetitive vertical lines of the columns lead the eye upward, emphasizing the grand scale of the Gothic architecture. The light, filtered through the high windows, creates a contrast of textures that animate the structural elements. The rows of seating draw us into the space, as light and shadow create rhythm. The use of stereoscopy invites reflections on perception, and how space and depth are constructed, mimicking the way our eyes work together. The image destabilizes our understanding of space and representation, while simultaneously reinforcing the imposing presence of the Abbey as a cultural and historical landmark. Notice the card format that enhances the three-dimensionality and invites a consideration of how photography itself shapes our perception of space. This early form of image-making challenges us to think about the cultural codes embedded in the representation of architectural space.