Gezicht op de Bute Hall van de universiteit van Glasgow before 1891

Editor: This is an interesting spread! On the right, we have an albumen print from before 1891, titled "Gezicht op de Bute Hall van de universiteit van Glasgow," which translates to "View of the Bute Hall of the University of Glasgow". It seems like a fairly straightforward architectural photograph. Though it's presented alongside an adjacent fading impression of something on the left side of the album. What strikes you most about this piece? Curator: Well, first off, what a dreamy, ethereal presence this albumen print emanates. You almost feel transported back in time. What gets me thinking is its relationship to that faded image. I would posit a question, could they have been made using the same photographic technique? Consider it in the context of photographic processes of the time. Editor: So, maybe this print wasn’t intended as a pure documentation of the building but also about exploring the capabilities of this particular photographic process? It also reminds me of camera obscura. What makes you compare it to the context of the early photography? Curator: Early photography was a fascinating alchemy, wasn't it? It’s interesting that these techniques and mediums have the power to change perception and perspective as time continues. Consider how long the university itself has remained still against these old practices. Now how about we think of it, like, if it represents a certain time portal or transition from the architecture of yesterday to a perspective and knowledge to the youth for the architecture for tomorrow? Editor: Hmm, I hadn't thought of it like that – the album almost as a record of not just a place, but a transition. So much history layered in. It really makes you wonder, doesn't it, about the stories it holds? Curator: Exactly! Isn't it funny how objects, buildings, places, they speak, they are like whispers that tickle our minds, ignite imaginations, right? I will never underestimate what they mean anymore. I will forever listen more.