Gezicht over de Theems bij Abingdon before 1867

Francis Frith made this photograph of a view of the Thames near Abingdon as part of a book sometime in the mid-19th century. The image captures the calm surface of the river, reflecting the architecture and trees along its banks. Photography in Victorian England was deeply intertwined with social and economic changes. The rise of the middle class created a demand for picturesque landscapes, which could be conveniently reproduced and consumed through photographs. Frith's company mass-produced these images, contributing to the Victorian fascination with documenting and classifying the world. The book format itself reflects the era's emphasis on knowledge and exploration. Historians might use census records, travelogues, and company archives to understand the social context of such images. By studying these sources, we can better grasp how photography not only captured but also shaped the Victorian perception of its world.