The Harrow Inn 

Joseph Pennell created "The Harrow Inn" using watercolor on paper, a medium that lends itself to capturing transient moments. The fluid nature of watercolor allows Pennell to depict the damp atmosphere of the street, its surfaces slick with moisture. Notice how the washes of grey and black define the architectural forms, softened by the blurred edges and subtle gradations of tone. This technique creates a sense of immediacy, almost as if the scene were observed and captured in a single breath. The application of watercolor, with its emphasis on transparency and layering, echoes the way urban environments themselves are constructed – layer upon layer, built up over time. Consider too, that the relative ease and portability of watercolor made it an ideal choice for artists documenting the rapid changes of the industrial era. It allowed them to quickly capture scenes of urban life, reflecting a society in constant flux. In this context, "The Harrow Inn" becomes more than just a depiction of a place, it's a record of a fleeting moment in a changing world. By valuing the importance of materials, making, and context, we move beyond the traditional distinctions between art and craft.