Image courtesy of http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/railways, originally uploaded by Jimbo (Alan James Wellock).
Painted in 1836 by Joseph Cooke Bourne the above painting is just one of many lithographic railway work produced as bookplates for the London and Birmingham Railway, and the Great Western Railway. Unlike Turner, Bourne painted realistic style scenes not just for aesthetic value but also for research and recording. Bourne at the time was seen as a bit of a rebel as most artists, social commentators and writers such as John Ruskin and Charles Dickens were very critical of railway development. Bourne's work was seen to show "subjects of professional study, as scenes and compositions replete with picturesque effect and artistic character." Unlike Turner's work Bourne's studies best replicate the 'mass mechanical production' feeling of the Industrial Revolution, as he often depicts the people as well as the machines buildng the railways.
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