On the Stocks 1917

Curator: Muirhead Bone's "On the Stocks" presents a dynamic depiction of shipbuilding, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. Editor: It feels claustrophobic, almost oppressive. All those crossing lines and heavy shadows. Curator: Bone was known for his ability to capture industrial scenes, like shipyards, with meticulous detail. This print provides a fascinating glimpse into the labor and scale involved in early 20th-century construction. We can see how these efforts, whether on land or sea, are tied to socio-economic progress. Editor: But also, let’s consider the human cost. The figures seem dwarfed, rendered almost invisible by the immensity of the structure. It speaks volumes about the exploitation inherent within industrial capitalism. Curator: Perhaps. Bone was commissioned by the British government during both World Wars to document industrial efforts, which can be considered an act of propaganda. Editor: Right, so the celebration of progress is intertwined with the machinery of war. We can examine the artist's role within these larger historical events. Curator: A compelling perspective. It's important to contextualize art as a reflection of its time. Editor: Exactly. And to question whose voices are amplified, and whose are silenced within these narratives.