Coffin making 1976

Curator: This is William Roberts’ drawing, Coffin making, part of the Tate collection. Look at how the grid underdrawing is visible beneath the figures. The whole composition feels very structured and… deliberate. Editor: Yes, it's a fascinating study in process. I'm immediately drawn to the sheer labor depicted. The uniformity of the figures and the repetitive nature of their task—it speaks volumes about the means of production itself. Curator: Absolutely. The image hints at the social context, perhaps the post-war period, given Roberts’ tendency to explore industrial labor in his work. The figures have an almost mechanical quality. Editor: Right, and observe the materiality. It’s just pencil on paper, yet the artist captures the weight and density of the wood, the act of shaping something so final. Curator: It certainly invites reflection on the role of labor, production, and even mortality in society. Editor: Exactly. And on the ways artists can portray the world around them. Curator: A poignant snapshot of a particular industry. Editor: A testament to the art of making.