Gezicht op de Chain Pier van Brighton c. 1880 - 1910

This silver gelatin print depicts Brighton’s Chain Pier, a symbol of leisure and engineering prowess in its time. The print itself, though seemingly straightforward, involved a complex interplay of chemistry and optics. Light-sensitive silver halides, suspended in gelatin, capture the image, revealing the pier's detailed structure and seaside atmosphere. But beyond the image itself, the very existence of this photograph speaks volumes about social and cultural shifts. As a multiple, this image reflects the rise of mass production and consumption. It was created for a mass audience, eager to possess a tangible memento of their visit to this famous pier. Consider the labor involved: from the skilled technicians preparing the photographic materials to the hands that developed and printed the image, each step in the process represents a contribution to a burgeoning industry fueled by leisure and tourism. The materiality and making of the photograph itself are central to understanding its significance, revealing the intricate connections between art, industry, and the evolving social landscape.