Interieur met zicht op een raam van de ruïne van Melrose Abbey before 1870

This is a photograph by W.J. Pringle, showing the interior of Melrose Abbey through a window, printed on paper. Though the date of the work isn't recorded, we can assume that it was made in the early days of photography. A key aspect of this image is the way that the printing process affects its appearance. Notice the tonal range, from bright whites to velvety blacks. The chemical process used would have been highly sensitive to light, creating a rich texture and depth. The window itself invites thoughts about craft and labor. The masonry was initially shaped through careful carving, and the ruined state of the Abbey speaks to changing social conditions over time. It is a poignant reminder that the built environment is always subject to the forces of history. Thinking about the materials and making of this photograph, and the building in the photograph, help us to understand the image as a historical artifact.