Portaal van Carisbrooke Castle before 1862

McLean & Melhuish created this photographic print of the ‘Portaal van Carisbrooke Castle’. This image is a window into the Victorian era's fascination with history and the romantic allure of ruins. Consider the historical context; photography at this time was more than just documentation, it was also about shaping narratives. How do McLean & Melhuish use the camera to frame our understanding of British heritage? The choice to focus on the castle portal evokes notions of entry, access, and perhaps, exclusion. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its stillness, inviting contemplation on the passage of time and the lives that have crossed this threshold. It encourages a dialogue between the past and present, revealing how society interprets and preserves its history through visual representation.