Carnavon Castle and Straights 1860 - 1894

Francis Bedford made this photograph of Carnarvon Castle, in Wales, using the albumen process, which was popular in the mid-19th century. Bedford was commissioned by Queen Victoria to document the royal residences and other important sites in the British Isles. The image captures the imposing architecture of the castle, but it also speaks to the broader social and cultural context of Victorian Britain. In the 19th century, there was a growing interest in national heritage and historical sites, and photography played a key role in documenting and popularizing these landmarks. Carnarvon Castle, built by Edward I in the 13th century to assert English dominance over Wales, became a symbol of British power and history. This image speaks to the politics of imagery at the time, the castle becoming a symbol of national pride. To understand Bedford's work, we might consult Victorian periodicals, architectural treatises, and the Royal Archives. By exploring these resources, we can better understand the social and institutional context that shaped the meaning of this photograph.