The Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford 1942

Editor: Here we have Randolph Schwabe's "The Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford," housed at the Tate. It's a very detailed drawing of the observatory and grounds. I’m struck by the rigid geometry of the building against the softer sky. What historical context informs Schwabe's choice of subject? Curator: Think about the power structures embedded in institutions like Oxford, and who historically had access to knowledge and scientific pursuits. How might Schwabe, through his artistic lens, be engaging with or critiquing these structures? Editor: So, it's not just about the building itself, but what it represents in terms of societal privilege and access? Curator: Precisely. Consider how the image reinforces or challenges these existing power dynamics. Editor: That adds a whole new layer of interpretation. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Art is always a reflection of its time, and an invitation to question it.