Maurice Broomfield: Industrial Sublime

Maurice Broomfield (1916-2010) was a humanist photographer who captured the heroic and sublime qualities of industry and manufacture in post-war Britain. His work spans the rise of post-war industrial Britain to its slow decline in the early 1980s. This exhibition presents a selection of his most important images, accompanied by memories related by Maurice as he revisited his work. The exhibition is a monument to the might of British manufacturing and the dedication, skill, and experience of those who worked in it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: V & A Publishing

Maurice Broomfield (1916-2010) was a humanist photographer who captured the heroic and sublime aspects of industry and manufacture, often bordering on the surreal. His work spanned the rise of post-war industrial Britain in the 1950s to its gradual decline in the early 1980s. Through his unwavering perfectionism, skill, and sheer passion for photography, he created an invaluable record of Britain's manufacturing past, filled with artistic brilliance and high drama.

Born Maurice, his father always desired to be called by his first name, and so Maurice it is. Industrial Sublime, a documentary film directed by Maurice's son, filmmaker Nick Broomfield, explores the deep bond between father and son. V&A curator Martin Barnes delves into the life and work of Maurice, who he had the privilege of knowing closely as he worked to transfer his extensive archive from his Hampshire home to the Museum. Barnes provides a detailed analysis of some of Maurice's most significant images, accompanied by memories shared by Maurice as he revisited his work. Together, these images form a monumental tribute not only to the immense power of British manufacturing but also to the dedication, skill, and experience of those who worked within it.

Maurice's journey as a photographer began in his early years, where he developed a fascination with the industrial landscape. Growing up in the industrial town of Bolton, England, he was surrounded by the sights and sounds of factories and mills. His father, who worked as a welder, instilled in Maurice a deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication required in the manufacturing industry.

As a teenager, Maurice enrolled in the Bolton School of Art, where he honed his skills in photography. He was particularly drawn to the medium's ability to capture the essence of objects and their relationships with each other. His early work focused on capturing the beauty of industrial machinery and the intricate details of factory processes.

However, it was during the post-war period that Maurice's work truly began to shine. The rise of industrial Britain in the 1950s presented him with a wealth of opportunities to document the changing face of manufacturing. He traveled extensively throughout the country, capturing the bustling factories, the vast warehouses, and the hardworking men and women who worked tirelessly to produce goods.

One of Maurice's most iconic images is "The Steelworkers," a photograph that depicts a group of steelworkers at work in a factory. The image is filled with energy and dynamism, as the workers move with precision and skill, their faces etched with determination. The use of light and shadow in the photograph creates a sense of drama and tension, highlighting the physicality and strength of the workers.

Another notable image is "The Coal Miners," which captures the harsh and dangerous conditions under which coal miners worked. The image is filled with a sense of foreboding and danger, as the miners toil in the dark, surrounded by the towering machinery of the mine. The use of black and white photography in the image adds to the sense of contrast and drama, emphasizing the starkness of the environment.

Throughout his career, Maurice continued to push the boundaries of photography. He experimented with different techniques and styles, from documentary photography to surrealism. His work often featured a combination of these elements, creating a unique and powerful visual language.

In addition to his photographic work, Maurice was also a passionate advocate for the preservation of Britain's manufacturing heritage. He believed that the industry was not only a source of economic prosperity but also a testament to the country's cultural and historical identity. He worked tirelessly to promote the importance of preserving the factories and mills that had shaped Britain's industrial landscape.

Maurice's legacy continues to inspire and influence photographers and artists around the world. His perfectionism, skill, and passion for photography have left an indelible mark on the field, and his images continue to be celebrated for their artistic brilliance and historical significance.

In conclusion, Maurice Broomfield was a humanist photographer who captured the heroic and sublime qualities of industry and manufacture. Through his unwavering perfectionism, skill, and passion for photography, he created an invaluable record of Britain's manufacturing past, filled with artistic brilliance and high drama. His work spans the rise of post-war industrial Britain in the 1950s to its gradual decline in the early 1980s, and his images form a monumental tribute to the dedication, skill, and experience of those who worked within it. Maurice's legacy continues to inspire and influence photographers and artists around the world, and his images will continue to be cherished for generations to come.

Weight: 936g
Dimension: 223 x 281 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838510206