Character Commentary: As I was cleaning out one of the closets in the studio this morning, I ran across a few items that brought back some memories from my younger days. The first that I’ve run across is this drawing. This drawing means a lot to me because it reminds me of when I studied photography in northern England. I left my family and life in London to further my knowledge in photography to help kickstart my new family business. I had a passion for photography, and I knew that I could be proficient at it. Realistically, I knew that I would need help getting started learning the ins and outs of it. A family friend of mine, Mr. Russel lived in northern England. I studied under him doing an apprenticeship for three months and I learned a great deal from him. It was a great experience getting out of London for a period of time. I missed my family while I was away studying, so looking at this drawing makes me a bit sad. I was used to being with my sisters all the time, and it was strange being away from them. However, this drawing also reminds me of the great times that I spent learning about our new business and how to be better. It was very bittersweet when leaving to come home after studying with Mr. Russel. I was saddened to leave and discontinue my studying. However, I was excited to return home and immediately start the photography business with my sisters. Whenever I see a photo or drawing of northern England or of Mr. Russel, it brings me right back to those pleasant times. I am so appreciative to have gotten the chance to study photography under him, and my skills today definitely would be as advanced as they are now without Mr Russel. This drawing brings me joy and sadness, and it gives me quite the bittersweet feeling.
Editorial Commentary: This drawing of northern England in the Victorian Era symbolizes the innocence of Lucy’s sexuality at the time and her last period of complete independence. When the Lorimar sisters lost their father, they had to sell their house. They didn’t have much money, so they agreed to start a photography business. Lucy knew that she wanted to sharpen up her photography skills, so she did an apprenticeship with a family friend in northern England. Lucy’s last time in her life of being without a husband or significant other was when she traveled to northern England to study photography. Aside from being independent from men, this was also a chance for her to be independent from her family. Lucy or her sisters had never done anything like this before; they had never gone off to study or to travel for a few months without their family. Following the death of her father, I believe it was necessary for Lucy to have some time away to reflect and process the death. She moved away to study photography, but this also may have served as a way for Lucy to escape her usual reality for a bit and fully process her father’s death. This time that she spent away from London and the events associated with it represent Lucy’s last time of being completely independent. I would consider this a bittersweet time, but not because of her being away from her family and learning new things. This is a bittersweet period of time for Lucy because of her last glimpse of independence, as stated before. Her last few months of her independence are in fact bittersweet, and it accurately represents Lucy’s innocence of her sexuality in her life.
Citation: Limited, Alamy. “Stock Photo - Greater Manchester North West England UK Europe Textile Industry Industrial Revolution Factory Culture Cotton Victorian Era.” Alamy, www.alamy.com/stock-photo-greater-manchester-north-west-england-uk-euro….