In Richmond Park 1852

Editor: Here we have William Bennett's "In Richmond Park," a watercolor painting. It feels like a very traditional landscape, full of lush greens and browns. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, I’m immediately drawn to the materiality of the watercolor itself. Bennett's technique invites questions about the accessibility of landscape painting during this time. What were the social conditions that allowed him to capture this specific view, and for whom was this image produced? Editor: That's interesting! So, beyond just a pretty picture, you're thinking about the whole context of its making? Curator: Precisely. I consider the availability of materials, the patronage system, and the consumption of landscape imagery by the rising middle class and working class in 19th century Britain. Editor: I never thought about landscape art in terms of economics! I’ll definitely keep this in mind going forward.