Syde 1935

F. L. Griggs made this etching, "Syde," sometime in the early 20th century. It depicts a humble English church nestled amongst gravestones and rolling hills. Griggs was part of a broader artistic movement in Britain, one that looked back to the medieval past for inspiration and also reflected on the changing social landscape of England during rapid industrialization. The Arts and Crafts movement, and the revival of interest in medievalism, often carried implicit critiques of modern, industrial society. The level of detail in this etching, typical of Griggs, and the choice of such a modest subject matter, can be seen as a reaction against the grand narratives favored by official institutions. Understanding this artwork fully requires looking at the social and artistic context in which it was created, using resources such as period publications, exhibition records, and biographical information about the artist. This can allow us to more fully appreciate the public role of this kind of art.