The Sutlej, Chirri, Wanga Valley; Great Deodar, 42' in Circumference c. 1867

Editor: This is Samuel Bourne's photograph, "The Sutlej, Chirri, Wanga Valley; Great Deodar, 42' in Circumference." The texture is amazing, especially on the bark. What stands out to you? Curator: I see the materiality of the albumen print itself. Bourne, like many photographers of his time, was creating a market for exotic views of the world. How did the labor involved in producing and distributing these images shape colonial perceptions? Editor: So it's not just about the tree, but about the industry behind the image? Curator: Precisely! Consider the chemical processes, the transportation of equipment, and the intended consumer. It all speaks to the relationship between art, commerce, and empire. Editor: I never thought about the logistics of landscape photography then. Thanks for opening my eyes! Curator: And thank you for helping me think about how such images are consumed today.