Lambeth Palace 1857 - 1859

"Lambeth Palace," a 1857-59 photograph by Roger Fenton, captures the grandeur of the historic palace, home to the Archbishop of Canterbury, with the Houses of Parliament in the background. Fenton, a pioneer of photojournalism, used the calotype process, a technique that produces a unique soft focus, highlighting the intricate details of the palace's brickwork and the distant cityscape. This image offers a glimpse into Victorian London, showcasing the architectural splendor of the era. The contrast between the two buildings reveals a historical and social context, highlighting the power and influence of the Church in Victorian England. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this significant piece of photographic history.