Gloucester, Courtyard of New Inn 1860 - 1894

Francis Bedford captured this albumen silver print, "Gloucester, Courtyard of New Inn," during a time when photography was solidifying its place in British society. Bedford, a prominent figure in early photography, here turns his lens to the architectural and social spaces of Gloucester. The courtyard, with its quaint inn, speaks to the values of community and commerce intertwined with England's rich history. Yet, it's crucial to consider who had access to these spaces and who is notably absent in Bedford's composition. The image invites us to reflect on the narratives of those whose labor supported the inn. We might ask, how do the shadows and light play into the stories of those who lived and worked here? As you reflect on this serene courtyard, consider the layers of untold stories beneath its charming facade, and perhaps consider how Bedford's lens both reveals and conceals the complexities of Victorian England.