Monnow Bridge, Monmouthshire 

Editor: This is John Sell Cotman's "Monnow Bridge, Monmouthshire," held at the Tate. It feels so immediate, even though it's an etching. What significance do you see in it? Curator: Consider how bridges often symbolize transitions, both literal and metaphorical. The gatehouse atop the bridge, though worn, speaks of defense, control, and the regulation of movement across boundaries. Editor: So, it's about more than just getting from one side to the other? Curator: Absolutely. It evokes cultural memory, harking back to a time when communities needed fortified points, reminding us of persistent themes of protection and passage. Editor: I see now. It’s about history embedded in the landscape. Curator: Precisely! Visual symbols, like this bridge, preserve narratives, resonating with us even today.