Model of a Vertical Tubular Boiler 1863

This is an anonymous model of a Vertical Tubular Boiler. Its creation, though unsigned, speaks volumes about the societal values of its time. The Industrial Revolution brought forth not just technological advancements, but a reconfiguration of societal structures, especially concerning class and labor. As machines like this boiler became more prevalent, they represented a shift in power dynamics. The laboring classes, who toiled in factories and mines, were intimately connected to these machines. Consider the emotional weight of this object. It's not merely a feat of engineering. It represents countless hours of human labor, the relentless pursuit of progress, and the environmental consequences that often went unacknowledged. While the creator is anonymous, the legacy of their work and the countless individuals who interacted with machines like this is anything but. It is an artifact of power, labor, and the complex relationship between humans and machines.