Furness Abbey, from the south end

Roger Fenton’s broad panorama captures the remains of Great Britain’s largest and most architecturally elaborate monastic complex, Furness Abbey. The massive building is shown partially reclaimed by the surrounding landscape. With visiting tourists on the grounds, the photograph reflects the romantic appeal of ruins during the 19th century.

Fenton is one of the most celebrated pioneers of photography. This photograph is part of a recent donation of several hundred works by a St. Louis donor. The generous gift enriches the Museum’s holdings in the early history of the photographic medium.