Slipway, Reykjavik Harbour. August 12, 1943 1943

Editor: This is Thomas Hennell's "Slipway, Reykjavik Harbour. August 12, 1943", a watercolor in the Tate collection. The image of these large vessels hauled onto the shore feels very grounded. What do you see in this piece? Curator: It's fascinating to consider the materials depicted and their context. Hennell captures the process of shipbuilding and repair itself, emphasizing the labor involved. How does focusing on these industrial scenes challenge traditional landscape painting? Editor: So, it’s less about the beauty of the harbor and more about the work that happens there? Curator: Exactly. The rough textures and the way the ships are being worked on draws attention to the means of production and the societal need for these vessels during wartime. It prompts us to consider the relationship between labor, materiality, and the war effort. Editor: That definitely gives me a new appreciation for the painting! Curator: Indeed! Looking at art through the lens of material and labor offers profound insights.