Lower Pool 1928

"Lower Pool" is a watercolor made by James McBey. Consider the era in which McBey lived, a time marked by significant shifts in industrial labor and maritime activities, particularly in port cities like London. McBey, born in Scotland, had a life marked by his own navigation through different social and professional spheres. This work offers a glimpse into the world of dockworkers and maritime laborers. The composition, with its emphasis on the vastness of the water and the indistinct figures in boats, evokes a sense of anonymity and the daily grind. The muted tones and hazy atmosphere also capture the somber reality of working-class life in urban environments. This piece doesn't romanticize labor, but offers an understanding of the period. McBey presents a vision that is both detached and intimate, offering a commentary on the societal structures that shape individual experiences.