Image Licensing : K Shop - Coppersmiths, 1938

EDITORS COMMENTS

This photograph, taken in 1938, offers a glimpse into the daily workings of K Shop, the coppersmith's workshop at Swindon Works of the Great Western Railway (GWR). The image showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and skill of the coppersmiths as they create intricate domes and safety valve covers using copper. The workshop, filled with the warm, inviting glow of coal fires and the clanging sounds of hammers against metal, was a hive of activity. Each coppersmith, focused intently on their task, expertly shaped and molded the copper using traditional tools such as anvils, hammers, and tongs. The room was a symphony of precision and creativity, with each piece of copper transformed into a functional and beautiful work of art. The domes and safety valve covers produced in K Shop were essential components of the steam locomotives that powered the GWR's extensive railway network. The domes, which adorned the tops of steam engines, protected the boiler from the elements and added a distinctive aesthetic touch to the locomotives. The safety valve covers, on the other hand, were crucial for ensuring the safe operation of the engines by regulating the pressure within the boiler. The coppersmiths' dedication to their craft was evident in every piece they produced. Their attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the highest standards resulted in components that were not only functional but also visually stunning. This photograph serves as a testament to the importance of skilled craftsmanship in the railway industry and the pride taken in producing high-quality components for the iconic steam locomotives of the GWR.