Coalbrookdale by Night facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coalbrookdale by Night |
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| Artist | Philip James de Loutherbourg |
| Year | 1801 |
| Type | Oil painting |
| Dimensions | 68 cm × 107 cm (27 in × 42 in) |
| Location | Science Museum, London |
Coalbrookdale by Night is a famous oil painting created in 1801 by the artist Philip James de Loutherbourg. This painting shows a very important moment in history: the start of the Industrial Revolution in England. It captures the busy scene of iron furnaces working at night.
The painting is kept safe at the Science Museum in London, England. It helps us understand how much the world changed during the Industrial Revolution.
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What the Painting Shows
Coalbrookdale by Night shows the Madeley Wood Furnaces, also known as the Bedlam Furnaces. These furnaces were part of the Coalbrookdale Company from 1776 to 1796. They were located in the Ironbridge Gorge in Shropshire, England.
The painting shows the furnaces glowing red-hot at night. You can see the smoke and flames lighting up the dark sky. This dramatic scene highlights the power and energy of early industry. It also shows how much human activity was changing the landscape.
The Bedlam Furnaces
The Bedlam Furnaces were a key part of the Coalbrookdale Company. This company was famous for its work with iron. The furnaces melted iron ore to make new metal products. This process was very important for building new machines and structures.
The area around Coalbrookdale was a center for new ideas and inventions. It was like a giant workshop where the future was being built. The painting captures this feeling of progress and change.
The Artist: Philip James de Loutherbourg
Philip James de Loutherbourg was a French-born British painter. He was known for his dramatic landscapes and battle scenes. He was very interested in showing the power of nature and human activity.
Loutherbourg traveled around England and Wales between 1786 and 1800. During these trips, he saw many industrial sites. He was fascinated by the new factories and furnaces. These observations inspired him to paint scenes like Coalbrookdale by Night.
Loutherbourg's Travels
His travels helped him understand the changes happening in Britain. He saw how new technologies were transforming the countryside. He wanted to capture these powerful scenes in his art. Coalbrookdale by Night is a great example of his interest in industrial landscapes.
The painting is not just a picture of a factory. It's also a statement about a new era. It shows how industry was becoming a major force in the world.
The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a time of huge change. It happened in the late 1700s and early 1800s. During this period, new machines and factories were invented. People started making goods in large factories instead of by hand.
This revolution changed how people lived and worked. It led to new towns and cities. It also created many new jobs, though conditions were often tough. The Ironbridge Gorge, where Coalbrookdale is located, is often called the "birthplace" of the Industrial Revolution.
Why Coalbrookdale Was Important
Coalbrookdale was special because it had many resources. It had coal, iron ore, and the River Severn for transport. This made it a perfect place for iron production. New methods for making iron were also developed here.
The painting Coalbrookdale by Night shows the energy and excitement of this time. It reminds us of the incredible changes that shaped our modern world. It's a powerful image of human innovation and progress.
