Lambeth 1861

David Roberts created this artwork, titled ‘Lambeth,’ with delicate washes of watercolor. Roberts, born in Scotland, came of age during a period of immense industrial and urban expansion across Britain. Here, he captures London's Lambeth district, an area undergoing dramatic transformation as it became a hub of industrial activity. The ethereal quality of the watercolor lends the scene a gentle serenity which belies the city’s less picturesque realities. As the river bustles with commercial activity, consider the lives of the working class during this era. They were often overshadowed by grand narratives of progress, yet their labor was essential to this transformation. Roberts was known for his ability to capture the atmosphere of a place. I wonder how this artwork invites us to reflect on the relationship between place, progress, and the experiences of those who lived through times of great change.