Vier bestuurders van Wolverhampton before 1867

Robert W. Thrupp’s “Vier bestuurders van Wolverhampton” presents a photograph of Wolverhampton leaders arranged in a decorative composition. Consider the era from which this image emerges. The Industrial Revolution transformed Wolverhampton into a hub of industry, and these men were at the helm, steering its course. But who were they really steering it for? Their portraits, framed by foliage, speak to a self-assuredness that was characteristic of the Victorian era. In their formal attire, they represent the governance of the city. But let’s consider what’s not pictured. Where are the workers whose labor fueled Wolverhampton’s growth? What voices are missing from this representation of power? These men are the gatekeepers of a specific narrative, one that highlights progress and authority, while obscuring the complexities and inequalities of their time. Look closely and ask yourself, who gets to be remembered, and what stories remain untold?