British Manufactory; A Sketch 1791

Benjamin West painted this sketch called 'British Manufactory' sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. The oval composition is divided into distinct planes. On the left, labourers are actively engaged in textile production, while on the right, classical figures examine the products of their work, creating a dichotomy between labour and its patronage. Notice how the symmetry is disrupted by the central pillar, which anchors the classical side, while the putti create a visual bridge to the working class. West juxtaposes the industrious activity of the lower classes with the contemplative, almost detached, gaze of the aristocratic figures. The painting reflects a tension between classical ideals and emerging industrial realities. The scene is framed as a tableau, inviting us to consider the social structures underpinning British manufacturing. It’s a commentary on the evolving relationship between labour, capital, and artistic representation.