Laigh Kirk Close 1868

"Laigh Kirk Close" is a striking example of Scottish photographer Thomas Annan's work from 1868. Annan was a pioneer of social documentary photography, capturing the harsh realities of everyday life in Glasgow, Scotland. This image, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a narrow, cobbled street, highlighting the poverty and urban blight of the time. The composition focuses on the perspective of a person walking down the street, creating an immersive experience for the viewer. The use of sharp detail and a sense of realism are characteristic of Annan's style.