George Clausen: Making Guns - Radial Crane

In this depiction, the massive radial crane takes centre stage, a specialised apparatus integral to the production of gun barrels. George Clausen's meticulous composition is evident as he carefully balances the horisontal presence of the gun barrel with the verticality of the crane. Renowned for his expertise in landscape painting, Clausen seamlessly merges the workshop scene into a harmonious tableau, uniting the human touch with the mechanical precision of machinery. His exploration of this subject was informed by research conducted at the Royal Gun Factory in Woolwich Arsenal, London, a pivotal site responsible for manufacturing armaments, ammunition, and explosives for the British Armed Forces.