Material Industries – Maurice Broomfield

Born in 1916, Maurice Broomfield left school at the age of 15 to work in a factory while spending his evenings studying at Derby College of Art. Fascinated initially by the drama of industrial modernity as portrayed in the 18th century paintings of Joseph Wright, he later developed a post-war industrial aesthetic that drew on both art history and European modernism.

Producing large-scale prints for both trade and exhibition purposes, Broomfield combined photography as art and document that echoed the interests of Bauhaus artists and Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) of Weimar Germany during the 1920s. His distinctive approach to factories, laboratories, workshops and shipyards combined with innovative use of monochrome and colour, reveal the intricacy and grandeur of industrial processes. Broomfield however was attentive to the status of the worker within manufacturing process; they are humanist rather than alienating depictions of manual and technical labour.

As historical documents his imagery belongs to a period of urban regeneration and economic optimism that looked to technology as a utopian means to rebuild Britain. They are poignant reminders of the social and political certainties surrounding 'old' industry, as well as the faith in futuristic materials.

Staged and highly crafted objects in their own right, Broomfield creates a sense of an industrial sublime through photography. They remain fascinating as monumental records of an unseen world of research and production. As large scale prints they also possess an enigmatic quality that resonates with the work of more recent artists that suggests a contemporary relevance yet, they remain firmly anchored in the historical moment.

Maurice Broomfield lives in Emsworth, West Sussex, where he is still active as an artist working primarily as a painter.

This exhibition has been produced in partnership with the Centre for Photographic Research, University of Wales, Newport.

• Content:27 framed photographs – 7 large format colour photographs, sizes vary; 20 black & white photographs, sizes vary
• Space required:For estimation of hanging space, please contact the exhibitions team
• Publicity:Press prints are available on request
• Hire fee:For transport costs and hire fees please contact the exhibitions team
• Availability:Currently available

For further information, please contact:

The Exhibition Team
Ffotogallery
c/o Chapter Arts Centre
Market Road
Canton
CF5 1QE

T: (029) 2034 1667
F: (029) 2034 1667
E: info [at] ffotogallery.org

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