Fountains Abbey. The Chapel of the Nine Alters, Exterior 1850s

Joseph Cundall’s 1850s photograph, “Fountains Abbey. The Chapel of the Nine Alters, Exterior,” is a stunning example of early photographic documentation of architectural ruins. The image captures the crumbling grandeur of the medieval abbey, with its soaring arches, fragmented walls, and overgrown vegetation. Cundall's detailed composition emphasizes the intricate details of the Gothic architecture, highlighting the enduring beauty of the once-majestic structure. This photograph is a testament to the power of photography to preserve and document historical sites and architectural marvels.