Artwork

Exterior view of the south front entrance of the South Kensington Museum (the 'Brompton Boilers')

Exterior view of the south front entrance of the South Kensington Museum (the 'Brompton Boilers') is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Charles Thurston Thompson. It dates from 1862 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1862 photograph captures the south front entrance of the South Kensington Museum, later known as the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

” The shot was saved by the National Art Library to teach students about design and architecture.

This old photo shows the south front of the South Kensington Museum in 1862. Thompson shot it when the building was still called the “Brompton Boilers.” The shot was saved by the National Art Library to teach students about design and architecture.

Photography was new, but museums saw its value right away. These records helped track how the museum grew over time.

Look up Thompson, Charles Thurston next.

Overview

This 1862 photograph captures the south front entrance of the South Kensington Museum, later known as the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The image documents the museum's early architecture, when it was colloquially known as the 'Brompton Boilers'.

History & Provenance

Taken by Charles Thurston Thompson, the photograph was collected by the National Art Library as part of its effort to record significant architectural and design subjects for educational purposes.

Context

The photograph reflects the early adoption of photography by museums as a tool for documentation and education, valuing the medium for its ability to accurately record buildings and artworks.