Chimney Scaffold 1860

Editor: This is "Chimney Scaffold" by J. Jeane, dating from 1860. It looks like a print, perhaps an engraving or etching on paper, displayed in a rather ornate case. I am immediately struck by how modern it feels for something from the mid-19th century. What's your read on it? Curator: It is peculiar, isn't it? Almost brutal in its starkness, despite the pretty gilded frame. It's as if the artist is saying, “Here’s the bare bones of industry, of progress." I see a statement on urban growth, perhaps a commentary on what was considered aesthetically valuable in that era. It invites a meditation on industry's impact and it also is interesting because we don't often elevate the simple architectural study to the level of displayed artwork. Editor: Do you think it could be critical of industrialisation, rather than celebrating it? I mean, that lone chimney…it almost feels melancholy. Curator: Perhaps a little of both. Isn't that so often the case? A bit of melancholy mixed with forward ambition. Those things do coexist. What sort of space would you imagine this chimney being attached to? Is it a factory, a dwelling? The composition certainly leaves you to wonder. Editor: That's a great question! I’m so focused on the lone chimney itself; it's made me completely neglect any architectural context. Curator: It also demonstrates how, in the right hands, a seemingly mundane subject can become quite profound. And there’s something really touching about the maker of the red display case having their name elegantly displayed and embossed in the textile. The creation of the framing is an important element too. I almost feel a deep sense of appreciation for Jeane and the artistry that Jeane showed the world. What did you learn today, from old Jeane? Editor: Definitely! It has completely changed the way I will now be observing and interpreting architectural-based pieces in the future. Thanks!