Archive

John Piper L.G.

signed

Sold

Port in War time, Cardiff is the fruition of a number of studies for a panorama of Cardiff docks. Through his majestic handling of the mechanised infrastructure Piper captures something of the city's industrial past. Its accompanying gouache, Transport Ships Coaling in Cardiff Docks also of 1944, is held in London's National Maritime Museum.

Piper was ordered to go to Cardiff in July 1944 by the WAAC, under whose authority he had been conscripted in 1940 and made Official War Artist in February of 1944. He is recorded in The Imperial War Museum's archives as having worked in the Welsh capital in August 1944. Port in War time, Cardiff presents a considered response to the directives of the WAAC committee. Piper conflates his predilection for describing the idiosyncrasies of Britain's built environment whilst upholding official guidelines. Kenneth Clark's decree, cited in minute 22.11.40, specifically mentions the necessity for War artist's to concentrate on transport and fire.

By 1944 commissions were drying up, and Clark was receiving complaints that insufficient work was being produced to warrant his elect remain exempt from military service. Clark transferred Piper from The Ministry of Agriculture to working for War Transport. It was for War Transport Piper was commissioned to paint Cardiff's harbour, along with Avonmouth, Poole, the West Country, Southampton, and Dover.

Given Piper's pre-War interest in the South Coast Piper might have asked to deliver war transportation subject material in this part of the country. His undiminished enthusiasm portrayed in signature pared down delivery of the port facing facades is broken up with infectious sporadic scumbles which we have come to expect from his later Neo-Romantic works. Textural variation and a racing brush recreate the bracing atmosphere of a British sea side experience.