Golfhill before 1878

Curator: Here we have Thomas Annan's photograph, "Golfhill," taken sometime before 1878. It's an albumen print, beautifully capturing a slice of Glasgow's history. Editor: The mood is striking, isn’t it? There’s an undeniable solemnity, emphasized by the bare branches in the foreground against the pale stone of the building. It feels quite austere. Curator: Austere indeed. Annan wasn't merely documenting buildings; he was capturing a societal shift. This particular photograph, "Golfhill," reflects the legacy of wealthy merchants. Notice how the grand architecture projects an image of power and permanence? Editor: The physicality of it, though. Albumen prints like this involve coating paper with egg whites, making the surface glossy and able to hold incredible detail. It makes the building feel almost tactile. Were the residents aware of the labor involved in capturing this image of their home? Curator: That's an interesting angle. Photography, even then, involved a complex process, and someone's labor had to go into producing those effects. But "Golfhill" isn't just about capturing textures and forms. It’s part of a broader visual archive Annan constructed, defining Glasgow through its structures and the power they represented. The images, sold as a luxury good, shape and influence what we think of Victorian Scotland. Editor: And think about the accessibility of these images versus the reality of life for most Glaswegians at the time. Were they actually seeing this depiction of their home in the same way that their image was spread and seen in other spaces and classes? This representation likely solidified a divide. It’s a kind of constructed identity. Curator: Precisely! It underscores how photography played a role in shaping social narratives. By framing Golfhill in a specific light, Annan essentially contributed to the ongoing conversation about class, wealth, and civic identity in Victorian Glasgow. Editor: So it’s more than just a building frozen in time; it’s about material choices reflecting deeper cultural values. This work provides so many access points into this time and community. Curator: Absolutely, and considering how Annan’s work has been exhibited and re-contextualized, its impact on Glasgow’s historical identity continues even now.