Ely Cathedral: Choir Stalls 1891

Frederick H. Evans made this platinum print of the choir stalls at Ely Cathedral, likely in the late 19th or early 20th century. Photography, at this time, was gaining traction as a medium for documenting and interpreting architectural spaces, particularly those imbued with historical and religious significance. Evans, part of the Pictorialist movement, used photography not just to record, but to evoke atmosphere. Notice the intricate details of the choir stalls and the grandeur of the cathedral's architecture. English cathedrals were central to the nation’s cultural identity. The Church of England played a vital role in shaping social norms and values. Photography provided a new way to engage with these institutions, offering both documentation and interpretation. To fully appreciate Evans' work, we need to consider the cultural and institutional context in which it was produced and consumed. Examining period writings on architecture and photography, as well as the history of Ely Cathedral itself, can enrich our understanding. Art isn't created in a vacuum, but emerges from specific social and institutional settings.