Westminster Abbey c. 19th century

Editor: This is Alexander Dick's print of Westminster Abbey. The intricate line work really captures the monumentality of the building. What can you tell us about the materials and labor that went into creating this image? Curator: Consider the etching process itself—the skilled labor involved in meticulously transferring the image onto the plate. How does the medium shape our perception of the Abbey as a symbol of power and permanence? The means of production are deeply embedded in the image. Editor: That’s a perspective I hadn’t considered. Thanks for pointing out how the process itself adds another layer of meaning. Curator: Indeed, it invites us to think about value, not just aesthetic value, but the value of the labor and resources involved.