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Royal Albert Dock a001246
ROYAL ALBERT DOCK, Canning Town, London. Two workmen repainting a ship in dry dock (mid-20th century). The dock was the largest of the three royal docks and opened in 1880.s W Rawlings. Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places. © Historic England
Media ID 440899
Filename: AA001246.jpg
Size: 3452 x 5454 (4.4MB)
Date: 13th April 2007
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: English Heritage Images
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Historic Images > Famed Photographers > S W Rawlings Collection (1945-1965)
> Historic Images > Historic Images 1900s - 1910s
> Transport > Docks and shipping
> The way we were > Work
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EDITORS COMMENTS
A Moment of Quiet Refurbishment at the Royal Albert Dock, Canning Town, London This evocative photograph, captured by S W Rawlings for Historic England, transports us back in time to the mid-20th century at the Royal Albert Dock in London's East End. The scene unfolds before us as two workmen diligently repaint a ship in the protective confines of a dry dock. The dock, the largest of the three royal docks, opened in 1880 and played a significant role in the maritime history of London. The ship, with its towering mast and intricate rigging, casts a long, dramatic shadow over the dock, adding depth and texture to the image. The boat, cradled gently by the dock's walls, appears almost peaceful in this moment of stillness, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the surrounding dockyard. The workers, dressed in heavy coats and hats, are engrossed in their task, oblivious to the passing of time. The photograph's composition is masterful, with the diagonal lines of the dock walls and the ship's rigging leading the eye to the vanishing point, creating a sense of depth and perspective. The raw, industrial setting is softened by the play of light and shadow, with the sun casting a warm glow over the scene. This photograph is a testament to the rich maritime heritage of London and the tireless efforts of the workers who kept the city's docks in operation. It invites us to reflect on the past and the role that the Royal Albert Dock and its workers played in shaping the city's history.
