London, Museum Vault 1936

Bill Brandt made this gelatin silver print, London, Museum Vault, at an undetermined time. Look at how Brandt uses light and shadow. The stark contrast creates a sense of depth and mystery, almost like a stage set. Then you notice the ladder; a strong, diagonal line that cuts through the composition, leading your eye upwards. The texture of the wood is almost palpable, and you can almost feel the cool, damp air of the vault. The figure, caught in a moment of contemplation, is secondary to the architecture of the vault itself. Is he looking up or looking back? Maybe Brandt is in conversation with Atget, who also documented disappearing architecture. Both artists invite us to look at the past in order to see our future.