Railway Station, Northern Ireland 

John H. De Pol made this wood engraving, Railway Station, Northern Ireland, sometime in the 20th century. The image depicts the railway as a vital component of the infrastructure of the area. In the context of Northern Ireland, this image hints at deeper social and political meanings. Railways were essential for trade, communication, and travel, connecting communities and facilitating economic growth. However, they could also become symbols of division and conflict, particularly during the Troubles, when infrastructure was targeted. De Pol's choice to focus on the railway station highlights its central role in the life of the community. By studying historical records, local archives, and oral histories, we can better understand the significance of railways in shaping Northern Ireland’s identity. The meaning of art, as we find here, is always contingent on its social and institutional context.