St Paul’s c. 1897

Curator: George Thomson's "St Paul's" presents the iconic cathedral amidst the bustling cityscape. Editor: The muted palette evokes a sense of quiet grandeur, almost as if time stands still despite the industrial activity. Curator: Thomson painted this scene during a period of intense social change in London, with industrialisation reshaping the urban landscape and class disparities growing starker. Editor: Notice the compositional balance—the dome's solid geometry anchors the scene, contrasting with the more loosely painted buildings. The crane intrudes, asserting the changing face of London. Curator: I see the cathedral as a symbol of enduring power, a patriarchal structure amidst the chaos, overshadowing the lives and labour represented by those industrial elements. Editor: Perhaps, but the cathedral's sheer mass and volume, depicted with such meticulous detail, are undeniably the focal point, a testament to architectural ambition. Curator: Ultimately, Thomson's painting captures a city in transition, negotiating its past and future. Editor: A study in contrasts, beautifully rendered.