Kapel van Henry VII te Westminster Abbey before 1869

John Harrington’s photograph captures the Chapel of Henry VII at Westminster Abbey. Consider the materiality of the Chapel itself, built in the early 16th century of stone and wood by a team of masons, carpenters, and glaziers. Its soaring vaults and intricate carvings reflect not just royal ambition, but also the skill of countless anonymous hands. Harrington's photograph immortalizes that craftsmanship, but it also invites us to think about its social context. These weren't just materials; they were the substance of the medieval economy. Every block of stone quarried, every timber hewn, represents labor and a complex web of commerce and patronage. The photograph helps to recognize the Chapel not just as a monument but as a testament to collective effort. It highlights the integral role of labor, skill, and the often-overlooked contributions of artisans.