The Slums of Glasgow 1868 - 1877

This photograph, "The Slums of Glasgow," was taken by Thomas Annan, a Scottish photographer whose images are a stark reminder of 19th-century urban realities. During the Victorian era, industrial cities like Glasgow experienced rapid growth, leading to severe overcrowding and poverty. Annan’s photographs document the squalid living conditions in the city's poorest neighborhoods. The narrow alleyways and dilapidated buildings speak volumes about the lives of those marginalized by industrial progress. These images challenge the romanticized narratives of the era, offering a sobering look at the cost of industrialization. Annan’s work raises ethical questions about representation and the power dynamics inherent in documenting poverty. While his photographs aimed to bring attention to these issues, they also risked objectifying the lives of those they depicted. Ultimately, "The Slums of Glasgow" serves as a historical record, and prompts reflection on social inequalities and the human impact of urban development.