Brug over de Theems in Londen 1888 - 1934

Willem Adrianus Grondhout created this etching of the Bridge over the Thames in London. Grondhout, born in Rotterdam, situates us in the early 20th century, a period marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization. This work captures the changing face of London, a global center of commerce and empire. The Thames, historically a vital artery for trade, is here depicted with a focus on the industrial architecture that lines its banks and the bridge that enabled that expansion. We see not just a landscape, but a social space defined by labor, trade, and the movement of goods and people. It invites us to consider the human impact of these developments, reflecting the lived experiences of those whose lives were shaped by the city's relentless growth. The bridge itself, a symbol of connection, also speaks to the divides that can emerge in rapidly changing societies. This etching serves as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between progress and its social and environmental consequences.