St. Dunstan's, Fleet Street 1903

Joseph Pennell’s print, St. Dunstan’s, Fleet Street, captures a bustling London scene, using etching to convey the city’s vibrant energy. Pennell, an American expatriate, found himself amidst London’s burgeoning modernist movement, which was marked by rapid industrialization and social change. Pennell’s choice to depict Fleet Street, a hub for journalism and commerce, speaks to the era's evolving urban landscape. This viewpoint wasn't always celebrated, as artists and writers often grappled with the effects of modernity on class structures, gender roles, and national identity. The busy street, filled with figures from various social strata, reflects the complex interplay of identities within the city. The detailed architecture, looming above the crowds, suggests a rigid social structure, while the movement of the people hints at the possibility of change. "One must live in a city to feel it," Pennell once said, emphasizing the personal connection that informed his urban landscapes. Pennell’s print invites us to consider the emotional and social dimensions of city life at the turn of the century.