Gezicht op John Knox's House c. 1862 - 1867

Editor: This is "Gezicht op John Knox's House," a photographic print by Archibald Burns, dating back to the 1860s. It is such an interesting urban landscape, almost feels documentary in its approach. I’m curious about how this was perceived at the time. What historical context informs this work? Curator: Well, it's interesting you say documentary. Consider how photography was emerging and being employed to document not just people, but places and social structures. The image, appearing within the context of an open book spread, speaks to a desire to preserve and showcase Scottish heritage for an expanding, perhaps even global audience. How do you think photography played a role in shaping public perceptions of cities like Edinburgh? Editor: That's a great point. Photography made cities more accessible, but also controlled the narrative, didn't it? By choosing this perspective of John Knox's House, what narrative do you think Burns was constructing about Edinburgh? Was he appealing to tourism, historical preservation, or perhaps a sense of national identity? Curator: Exactly! The choice to capture John Knox's House is quite deliberate. Knox was a central figure in the Scottish Reformation, so including this site suggests an intent to highlight a key moment in the formation of Scotland's national identity and its unique religious history. It’s about how this building serves as a site of memory and contributes to a larger historical understanding. Editor: So, the photograph isn't just about a building. It's about invoking that historical and cultural significance for a contemporary audience through visual means, playing with its public role in historical preservation and the politics surrounding the reformation of national image. Thanks, that really helps clarify the artist's intent. Curator: Indeed, and thinking about the socio-political landscape allows us to view Burns’ work not just as a record, but as an active participant in the construction of historical memory.