Pier van Hastings met paard en wagen 1870 - 1910

Curator: This is a fascinating albumen print, believed to be taken between 1870 and 1910, and it captures Pier van Hastings with a horse and carriage in the foreground. It's a compelling cityscape, typical of the era's interest in portraying modern leisure and infrastructure. Editor: Immediately, I’m struck by the stark division of the photograph. There’s this incredibly structured pier reaching into a seemingly infinite, misty horizon. It evokes a feeling of rigid society pushing into the unknown, don't you think? Curator: Yes, certainly the image offers a view of Victorian society reaching outward, quite literally. The pier itself was a marvel of engineering, designed to offer a space for promenading, entertainment, and asserting dominance over the sea. Note how this photographic print medium, itself fairly new, played a role in documenting and popularizing these seaside constructions. Editor: And the presence of the horse and carriage feels staged, almost performative. It speaks to the elite's leisure activities but also reminds me of the class disparities present. The working classes likely didn't have access to such leisurely scenes on this grand scale. Curator: Precisely! The photographer likely positioned the carriage to signal prosperity and elegance. It’s worth considering the historical context: the rise of seaside resorts was driven by industrial wealth and an expanding middle class with disposable income, creating both opportunity and stark divisions. Editor: It's also interesting to consider what’s missing. There’s a stillness, an almost surreal quiet, despite knowing this pier must have been bustling with people. It’s an image that highlights the selective nature of historical representation. Who is included, who is excluded, and why? Curator: Well, the long exposure times required for albumen prints may contribute to that still appearance. Moving figures would blur, so those photographed likely had to be still. However, you are correct; photography also wielded a selective power in shaping historical memory. Editor: Looking at this landscape and considering its societal impact encourages an intersectional interpretation of its history. The interplay of wealth, technological innovation, and leisure that is visible here creates a dialogue between past and present issues that resonate today. Curator: It's definitely a complex image that prompts reflections about class, leisure, and the rise of modern tourism. I'm always struck by how different social narratives play out on coastal edges, these kinds of piers reflecting society as much as reflecting out onto the sea. Editor: It truly is fascinating how this one albumen print provides so many points to ponder on its cultural and societal value.