Artwork

The White Factory

The White Factory, by Cecil Hunt, watercolor, 1920
The White Factory, by Cecil Hunt, watercolor, 1920

The White Factory is a watercolor work on paper by the Art Brut artist Cecil Hunt. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The White Factory is a 1920 watercolour by Cecil Hunt depicting an industrial scene. The work features a group of pale, large factory buildings alongside a waterfront, with a narrow road and scattered figures, predominantly dressed in red.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays the juxtaposition of industrial activity and natural calm. Tall smokestacks and a looming factory dominate the scene, while the waterfront below remains serene, with small figures and docked boats adding human and natural elements to the otherwise industrial landscape.

Technique & Style

Hunt executed the work with loose, sketchy brushstrokes, suggesting a quick study. The colour palette is predominantly muted, with grays, blues, and browns, accented by brighter spots near the waterfront.

History & Provenance

Created in 1920, the watercolour bears the artist's signature. Further provenance details are not provided.

Context

The White Factory reflects the early 20th-century industrial landscape, capturing the era's balance between burgeoning factory presence and existing natural environments.

Legacy

The work is associated with Cecil Hunt's broader oeuvre; viewers interested in similar themes and styles are directed to explore more of the artist's creations.

Early Morning:  The Thames at Battersea, London
Early Morning: The Thames at Battersea, London, James McNeill Whistler

Artist & collection

Artist

Cecil Hunt

Cecil Hunt’s watercolours capture quiet corners of Britain and Europe in soft strokes.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted The White Factory?

The White Factory was painted by Cecil Hunt in 1920.

Where can I see The White Factory?

The White Factory is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The White Factory?

The White Factory is associated with Art Brut.