Abbotsford - The Hall c. mid 19th century

This stereograph, "Abbotsford - The Hall", was made by G. W. Wilson in the 19th century, using the wet collodion process. The process involved coating a glass plate with light-sensitive chemicals, exposing it in the camera, and then developing it immediately. Looking at the image itself, it reveals a meticulously carved interior, probably made of oak, a dense and durable wood that lends itself well to intricate detailing. Woodworking of this kind requires highly skilled labor, from felling and preparing the timber to the careful craftsmanship of the carving. The labor-intensive nature of this interior speaks volumes about the wealth and status of its owner, likely a member of the British upper class. The act of photographing it, and reproducing it, made accessible a lifestyle that was in reach for a few people at that time. The material and the making are tied to wider social issues of labor and consumption, reflecting the era's class divisions. It reminds us that every object, whether a photograph or a carved interior, is the product of human effort.