The Iron Forge between Dolgelli and Barmouth in Merioneth Shire 1776

Paul Sandby made this print of The Iron Forge in Wales using etching and aquatint. It reflects Britain's burgeoning industrial landscape, a marked shift from its agrarian past. Made at a time of significant social change, this image captures the picturesque appeal of industry. The scene shows a water-powered iron forge nestled amidst a rugged landscape. The billowing smoke hints at the intense labor within, while the figures gathered at the entrance suggest a community sustained by the forge. Wales, during this period, was rich in natural resources, attracting significant industrial investment. Sandby's choice to depict the scene with aquatint softens the harshness of the industrial setting, presenting a romanticized view of progress. To fully understand the historical context, one might consult local records of industry, accounts from the period, and the archives of institutions that supported this kind of printmaking. Art history is, after all, a product of its cultural and institutional environment.