Ruchill before 1878

"Ruchill" is a photograph by Thomas Annan, made in the late 19th century, capturing an estate near Glasgow. Annan’s work provides a glimpse into the domestic spaces of wealth during a period of intense industrial change in Scotland. The image might appear as a straightforward documentation, but consider the power dynamics inherent in such a portrayal. Who is granted the privilege of representation, and whose stories remain untold? Estates like Ruchill were often built on the backs of exploited labor, obscuring the lives of working-class individuals. The wealth displayed in such images stands in stark contrast to the realities of poverty and hardship experienced by many. Consider this photograph as a window into a complex social hierarchy, reflecting both the pride and the potential blind spots of its time. It invites us to reflect on how we engage with images of wealth and power, and to consider the untold stories that lie beneath the surface.