Dimensions: image: 91 x 153 mm
Copyright: CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 DEED, Photo: Tate
Editor: Here we have an etching by the British School, of what appears to be a castle, maybe named 'Mongle' from what I see on the print. It's small but remarkably detailed. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I'm immediately drawn to the process of its creation. The fine lines achieved through etching, and the scale, suggest a print intended for mass consumption. We should consider the socio-economic context: who could afford such images, and what role did these landscapes play in shaping perceptions of power and ownership? Editor: So it's not just about the castle, but about who could own and distribute images of it? Curator: Precisely. The materiality of the print itself, the labour involved, and its potential distribution network tell a compelling story beyond just the depicted architecture. It makes you wonder about the intended audience. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. Thanks, I've learned something new.