Holyrood Palace c. mid 19th century

This stereocard of Holyrood Palace was created by G. W. Wilson, a photographer active in Scotland during the mid-to-late 19th century. During this time, the rise of photography coincided with increased tourism, allowing people to purchase images as souvenirs. Stereocards like this one offered a 3D viewing experience, giving the viewer a sense of "being there". Wilson's choice of Holyrood Palace speaks to Scotland's complex relationship with its own history and the British monarchy. The palace, a symbol of Scottish royal heritage, became a tourist attraction, commodified and consumed. In capturing this image, Wilson positions us, the viewers, as tourists. Consider the way the gates act as both barrier and entry point, inviting us into a space that carries centuries of political and cultural weight. It prompts us to think about who gets access to history, and what it means to consume it.