33 Exeter, Fore Street 1860 - 1894

Francis Bedford captured this image of Exeter’s Fore Street using the wet collodion process, a popular photographic technique in the mid-19th century. The process itself involved coating a glass plate with chemicals, exposing it in the camera while still wet, and then developing it immediately. This labor-intensive method yielded incredibly detailed negatives, evident in the sharp clarity of the buildings and figures. The sepia tone, inherent to the process, lends a nostalgic feel, but also speaks to the material constraints of early photography. Bedford’s expertise lay in controlling this process to produce prints of remarkable tonal range and sharpness. Through his work, we gain insight into the burgeoning urban landscape and commercial activity of Victorian England. This photo is not just a record of a place, but a testament to the skill and effort involved in capturing a moment in time, a reminder of the artistry inherent in early photographic practices.