Exterieur van de Henry VII Chapel van de Westminster Abbey te Londen c. 1850 - 1880

Valentine Blanchard captured this stereograph of the Henry VII Chapel at Westminster Abbey in the late 19th century. As photography became increasingly popular, it offered new ways to document and disseminate images of architectural marvels. The chapel, completed in the early 16th century, stands as a symbol of royal power and religious authority. Blanchard's photograph invites us to consider the chapel not just as a building, but as a stage for social and political life. Note the horse-drawn carriages that occupy the foreground, suggesting the presence of wealthy Londoners who have the luxury to travel and engage with such landmarks. The photograph underscores the class divisions of Victorian society, where access to cultural treasures was often determined by one's social standing. It prompts us to reflect on who is included and excluded from the narratives of history and heritage.