Gezicht op de openbare bibliotheek in Manchester, gevestigd in het oude stadhuis before 1878

This is a photograph of the public library in Manchester, taken by Alfred Brothers. The print is made using chemical photographic processes, which renders the imposing architecture in sepia tones. Focusing on the material aspect, consider the amount of labour and industry required to produce such a grand civic building. Each stone block, each fluted column speaks to the work of quarrymen, masons and builders. The photograph itself captures this built environment, freezing it in time. Photography in the 19th century was still a relatively new technology, yet it quickly became an important tool for documenting urban development. The image could be endlessly reproduced, and distributed. Ultimately, this photograph shows the intersection of architecture, photography, and social progress, reflecting the civic pride of Manchester during its industrial prime.