Woolwich Arsenal is an odd name for a place so how did that come about? Back in the 1600's an ammunition laboratory was established. Given a royal warrant in 1695 it quickly expanded to include a gun foundry. Convict labour was used to build an eight foot wall around its boundary. At its peak during WWI 80,000 people were employed in the manufacture of weapons. It finally closed in 1940.The sculpture "Assembly" by Peter Burke is made up of sixteen men that are formed in four pieces. However each figure has one quarter missing so you can see inside.
Perhaps seeking the sanity of weapons manufacture?
11 comments:
My Grandma used to work there during the second world war.
If only a shell fell on Peter Burke!
The young men in the 19th century kicking a ball around started a football team called Woolich Arsenal (original eh?), Later they moved the club to Highbury in North London and changed the name to 'Arsenal.' Some people think they were successful.
Interesting information. :) The sculpture "Assembly" is nice work of art.
Alexander
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex
How interesting. Thank you Mo.
Another very interesting the thought provoking art work.
Is it the same 1/4 missing in each figure?
A very original work of art!
A unique work of art.
Now this I did know because I used to live in Plumstead! But I haven't seen this love installation art yet.
Looks interesting, and a bit like "Another place" by Anthoney Gormley.
Woolwich also gave its name to Woolwich Arsenal FC, which at the time played in Plumstead. It was one of the most famous teams in the land, and certainly the most influential, being adopted as the club of the serviceman.
The club was formed in 1893 out of "Royal Arsenal FC" and finally moved from the area in 1913, although the name didn't change to "The Arsenal" for another two years.
Because of its national interest, a lot of research has been done on the crowd at Woolwich Arsenal matches, which in turn tells us a huge amount about the people of the area, their lives and interests. Just one snippet that comes from the book on the club (Woolwich Arsenal, the club that changed football) is that the men from the Torpedo Factory made their own fireworks and took them to away matches where they let them off.
www.blog.woolwicharsenal.co.uk/the-book for more information.
Tony
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