Glen Kenilworth c. 1868

Francis Bedford created this photograph, Glen Kenilworth, using the wet collodion process, a popular technique in the mid-19th century, which allowed for detailed and reproducible images. Bedford's work transports us to the romantic ideals of the Victorian era, a time when the English countryside was celebrated as a sanctuary from industrialization. But, landscape photography wasn't just about aesthetics; it was also about ownership and power. The ability to capture and disseminate images of the land reinforced a sense of national identity and pride, often intertwined with colonial ambitions. How do we reconcile the serene beauty of Bedford’s composition with the historical context of empire and social stratification? What does it mean to see a landscape through the eyes of someone whose perspective was undoubtedly shaped by the privileges of his time? Ultimately, Glen Kenilworth invites us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and the ways in which our understanding of beauty is informed by history, power, and identity.