Chapel before 1890

This photograph of a chapel was taken by Edward H. Hart, and it presents an interesting commentary on labor. Note the material qualities of the built environment – the meticulously arranged books, ornate furniture, and the elaborate chandelier above. Each element speaks to different forms of labor. The books represent intellectual work, the furniture skilled craftsmanship, and the chandelier, perhaps, industrial production. Consider the social context implied by this image. Chapels, traditionally spaces for spiritual reflection, are transformed here into sites of study and contemplation. The arrangement of the furniture suggests a communal setting, where individuals gather to engage with knowledge and ideas. Yet, the grandeur of the space also hints at exclusivity, raising questions about access and privilege. By examining the materiality and mode of production behind each element, we gain insight into the values and priorities of the society that created this space, challenging our assumptions about the relationship between labor, knowledge, and social class.