Northumberland Avenue 1905

Joseph Pennell’s ‘Northumberland Avenue’ is a flurry of fine lines and hatched marks, capturing a London street scene in monochrome. Pennell has scratched and bitten the plate with acid, a process that feels both meticulous and impulsive. I imagine Pennell, out on location, rapidly sketching the architectural facades. What was it like to stand where he stood? Look at that central column – it pulls your eye upwards, the architectural details dissolving into the sky. I’m thinking of Piranesi’s architectural prints, and how the weight of history can be evoked with such simple gestures. See how the whole image trembles? These lines are more than just descriptive; they convey a sense of light, atmosphere, and movement. Pennell isn’t just documenting a street; he's offering a subjective, impressionistic experience. It’s as if we’re seeing London through his eyes, filtered through his hand, so this print doesn’t feel like a dead record, but a way of sharing an encounter, and an ongoing conversation.