Art Funded by you

The Rubbish Dump, A Black Country Altarpiece

George Warner Allen, 1955

© Estate of George Warner Allen

This work depicts an industrial landscape showing the factories and chimneys of the Black Country. In the foreground a young family sit surrounded by the detritus of modern day living, an indication of the grim reality of industrialisation and the hardship that surrounds them. The figure of Christ is depicted rising above the rubbish dump, inspiring the people to raise themselves out of poverty and offering a symbol of hope. It was painted for Canon David Wood, who had married Allen's cousin and was working at the Black Country Industrial Mission in Wolverhampton, based at St. George's Vicarage.

More information

Title of artwork, date

The Rubbish Dump, A Black Country Altarpiece, 1955

Date supported

2007

Medium and material

Oil on canvas

Dimensions

182.9 x 122 cm

Grant

8000

Total cost

18000

Content note: This object record is part of our archive and has not been updated since it was first published. It may contain inaccurate information or outdated language. Please get in touch if you think this record should be amended.

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