Untitled (men in striped suits, seated, with musical instruments) 1928

Editor: This fascinating photograph by Hamblin Studio shows a group of men in striped suits with musical instruments. It's titled "Untitled (men in striped suits, seated, with musical instruments)". The composition and medium create a very surreal mood. What strikes you about this piece? Curator: Considering the material process, it's interesting. The negative photograph allows a peek into the socio-economic context of studio portraiture. Who were these men, and what labor allowed them to commission this image? Are their striped suits a uniform, signifying a particular trade or social club? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn’t considered the class implications of commissioning a studio portrait. Curator: Think about the materiality of the suits, too. Were they mass-produced, indicating broader shifts in textile manufacturing and consumption? The photograph prompts us to question the labor involved in its creation. Editor: I now see this image as a window into understanding social dynamics through the lens of its production. Thanks!