The Rubbish Dump, A Black Country Altarpiece
George Warner Allen, 1955

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

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