The theatre c. 1884

This is a bound volume of "The Theatre: A Monthly Review", edited by Clement Scott and published in London in 1884. Printed matter like this magazine reflects both the industrial processes of the late 19th century and the social context of arts and culture at the time. The cover showcases typography, engraving, and bookbinding—each involving specialized labor. The paper itself, likely made from wood pulp, suggests the rise of mass production and consumption. Consider the socio-economic dynamics embedded in this object: the factory workers producing the paper and ink, the skilled craftsmen operating the printing presses, the editors and writers contributing content, and the consumers engaging with the narratives within its pages. By recognizing the labor and materials involved, we gain insight into the cultural and economic forces shaping society during the late 19th century, and challenge notions of the artwork as a purely aesthetic creation.