Demolition of St. James's Hall, Exterior 1907

Muirhead Bone made this print, "Demolition of St. James's Hall, Exterior," using etching on paper. The image is built up from a multitude of thin, closely spaced lines, giving a sense of depth and atmosphere. This way of working reminds me of drawing, of how the most interesting lines are often the ones that go astray. Look at the way Bone articulates the sky, where there is a real sense of weather, almost like a watercolour! The scene is of a building in a state of ruin, the hard geometry of its architecture in stark contrast with the surrounding buildings. One particular area, the great arch that once held up the roof, is now open to the elements. It's a bold, confident mark, like a window onto another world. I can't help but think of Piranesi's etchings, with their similar interest in architectural spaces and ruins, but Bone's take is more intimate, more personal. He invites us to contemplate the beauty of decay.