Art Collections Online
A Plain Representation of the Teams and Trams of Coal brought down to Pillgwenlly by Samuel Homfray
THOMAS, John (fl.1821 - )
Media: oil on panel
Size: 86.0 x 376.0 cm
Acquired: 1994; Transfer; Welsh Industrial Maritime Museum
Accession Number: NMW A 2834
Samuel Homfray (1762-1822) managed the Penydarren iron works and promoted the tramway to Abercynon. This 'plain representation' by the little known artisan painter John Thomas celebrates the record load of 79 tons 10 cwt of coal transported by horse-drawn road train to the Newport suburb of Pillgwenlly on 18 December 1821. Homfray 'benefited the town and neighbourhood of Newport by reducing the price of coal'.
Comments - (1)
As far as I know, the measurements of "A plain representation ..." are slightly off track, if you forgive the pun. Of course, the exact figures are not available to me, but height and width should roughly be ten times those numbers given.
Hope you can see my comment as well meaning - which it is supposed to be.
Wishing you and the Welsh museums all the best for the New Year.
Best regards,
Matthias Beth