Wells 1857

This photograph, "Wells," was created by Alfred Capel Cure, likely around 1857, using the calotype process. The choice of an architectural subject during this period speaks to the intertwined relationships between religious institutions, power, and representation. Cure, positioned as a gentleman amateur, was part of a social class that had the means to explore photography as both a hobby and an artistic pursuit. The photograph itself, with its soft focus and tonal range, evokes a sense of timelessness. What I find particularly striking is how Cure captures the emotional weight of the cathedral, its stones bearing witness to centuries of history. The sepia tones lend a melancholic air to the image, prompting us to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring presence of these structures. It serves not only as a visual record, but also as an intersection where personal identity, social class, and historical narrative converge.