Doorkijk in Fairlight Glen before 1875

This photogravure of Fairlight Glen was created by Wm. E. Thorpe, using a process that combines photography and printmaking. The photogravure process begins with a copper plate, coated with a light-sensitive gelatin tissue. When exposed to a photographic positive, the gelatin hardens to varying degrees, creating an etching resist. The plate is then etched in acid, with the hardened gelatin protecting certain areas, resulting in an image etched into the copper. This painstaking method, requiring specialized knowledge, allowed for the mass production of images with rich tonal depth, similar to a photograph but with the fine detail of an engraving. The photogravure process, while technically complex, served to democratize art by making high-quality reproductions accessible to a broader audience. By considering the labor and expertise embedded in the production of this print, we can appreciate how technological advancements have blurred the lines between art, craft, and industry.