Sketchbook c. 19th century

Curator: Here we have a sketchbook by Samuel Prout, an English watercolorist who lived from 1783 to 1852. It's a modest size, about 16 by 24 centimeters. Editor: It gives the impression of being well-used, almost weathered. The mottled cover has an aged, organic feel; it reminds me of tree bark. Curator: Prout's sketchbooks offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process of a 19th-century artist, revealing his working methods, travels, and artistic influences. Editor: The cover material is fascinating – I wonder what the process was for creating that marbled effect. The binding, too, speaks to a specific craft tradition. Curator: Absolutely. And consider the social context of travel at that time –sketchbooks like this were vital for artists documenting their journeys and sharing them through exhibitions and publications. Editor: It makes you wonder about the labor involved in creating it and the artist’s connection to these materials. Curator: Indeed, a tangible object connecting us to both the artist and the broader cultural landscape of his time. Editor: It makes me want to investigate the intersection of industry and artmaking.