Hollis Hall, Holden Chapel 1861 - 1866

Editor: Here we see George Kendall Warren's photograph of Hollis Hall and Holden Chapel. The sepia tones give it a solemn feel, like a glimpse into a distant past. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This image, beyond its architectural depiction, offers a lens into the historical power structures embedded within institutions like Harvard. Consider the gaze: who was afforded the privilege to study here, and who was excluded? Editor: That's a really interesting point. So, the photograph is not just about the buildings themselves? Curator: Exactly. It’s about the historical and social context. Who is missing from this picture? What does this image say about access and privilege in education? Editor: I never thought about it that way before. It really changes how I see the photograph. Curator: Thinking critically about visual representation allows us to unpack the narratives woven into even seemingly straightforward images. Editor: I'll definitely be looking at photographs differently now.