Straat te Trefriw c. 1850 - 1880

Francis Bedford made this stereoscopic view of Trefriw, a village in North Wales, using photography, a relatively new medium at the time. The photographic process itself is critical to understanding this artwork. It involves a complex chemical reaction, capturing light and shadow on a treated surface. But what makes this image particularly interesting is its mass production. As a stereoscopic view, it was designed for viewing with a special device, creating an illusion of depth. This was a popular form of entertainment in the 19th century, reflecting the growing accessibility of images through industrial means. Bedford was among the first to commercially produce photographs. By making and selling photographs like this he contributed to the rise of visual culture and a burgeoning consumer market. Photography democratized image-making, taking it away from the traditional domain of painting, and embedding it within a wider social and economic context. So, when we look at this image, we are not just seeing a street in Wales, but also a glimpse into the changing landscape of image production.