Image Licensing : No 1 Shop, Sawmill, November 1934

EDITORS COMMENTS

In this print from November 1934, we are transported back to the bustling No 1 Shop at the Sawmill in Swindon Works. The image showcases a young boy diligently operating a firewood chopping machine, his small frame juxtaposed against the towering machinery surrounding him. It remains unclear whether he is an apprentice or simply assisting with the more menial tasks that were often assigned to boys during that era. The sawmill was a vital component of the timber industry at Swindon Works, where skilled craftsmen transformed raw logs into various wooden components for carriages and other railway equipment. This particular scene captures not only the industrial prowess of the time but also highlights how children were integrated into these labor-intensive processes. As we observe this young boy engrossed in his work, it serves as a poignant reminder of how different times were then compared to today's standards. Boys like him would often be entrusted with simpler tasks within such establishments, learning valuable skills while contributing to their families' livelihoods. This remarkable photograph encapsulates both the historical significance of Swindon Works and its impact on local communities during this period. It provides us with a glimpse into an era when apprenticeships and hands-on training played pivotal roles in shaping future generations of skilled workers. Displayed proudly at STEAM Museum of GWR (Great Western Railway), this print stands as a testament to our industrial heritage and offers visitors an opportunity to reflect upon bygone times when wood chips flew through air alongside dreams and aspirations.