Shillingford Bridge 

Editor: Alfred William Rich’s watercolour, Shillingford Bridge, is lovely. It has such a subdued, tranquil atmosphere. What do you see in this piece, considering its place in art history? Curator: Well, the image of the bridge, a symbol of connection, becomes intriguing when we think about the social context. Bridges were vital infrastructure, but also subjects in art, reflecting both progress and the human desire to shape the landscape. Editor: So, it’s not just a pretty picture? Curator: Exactly. Think about who might have commissioned or viewed this. Was it intended for public display, celebrating engineering, or was it a more personal reflection on the changing countryside? Editor: That definitely gives me a different perspective. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. It's all about considering the bigger picture.