Hunford Mill, Surrey 1855 - 1857

This photograph, "Hunford Mill, Surrey," was captured by Henry White using the collodion process. The still water, almost like a mirror, dominates the image, its surface covered with lily pads. Water, often a symbol of life and purity, also carries a deeper, more turbulent meaning. Consider its appearance in mythology: from the River Styx separating the world of the living from the dead, to the countless stories of vengeful nymphs dwelling in springs and rivers. Water can reflect our deepest selves, evoking both tranquility and fear. The repetitive pattern of lily pads in the water evokes a primordial, subconscious memory. The movement of the pads recalls the endless cycle of life and death, forever emerging and decaying. Perhaps White, consciously or not, tapped into this deep well of collective memory. The serene surface belies the hidden depths, stirring emotions that resonate across centuries and cultures.