Wallingford Bridge c. 18th century

Curator: This is "Wallingford Bridge," an engraving by William Byrne, who was active in the late 18th century. Editor: It’s serene, almost dreamlike. The spire piercing the sky, the mirrored water…there’s a strong sense of established order. Curator: Byrne was known for his topographical views. Consider how prints like these helped shape public perception of the English landscape and national identity. Editor: The bridge itself—a symbol of connection and transition. Bridges are liminal spaces, and Byrne captures that beautifully. Curator: And how this imagery circulated. Prints were key to disseminating ideas of the picturesque to a broader audience. It democratized art. Editor: Absolutely. And the church spire—a visual reminder of spiritual aspiration, anchoring the earthly scene to something higher. It’s quite powerful. Curator: Indeed. Byrne’s work invites us to consider the social function of landscape art. Editor: And the enduring symbols that shape our understanding of place and belonging.