Hotel Poerworedjo, Java 1857 - 1863

This albumen print titled ‘Hotel Poerworedjo, Java’, was made by Woodbury & Page. As a photographic print, this work bears witness to industrialization and technological advancement, albeit indirectly. The albumen process, which involves coating paper with egg white and silver nitrate, was a popular method for creating photographic prints in the 19th century. The technique influenced its appearance, lending a sepia tone and a glossy sheen to the final image. The work’s material qualities and production processes are tied to wider social issues of labor, class, and consumption. The establishment of hotels catering to European travelers reflects the colonial presence and its demand for accommodations. Understanding the materials, making, and context challenges us to consider traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, and prompts a more holistic engagement with the work's meaning and significance.