Born of Fire: The Valley of Work: Industrial Scenes of Southwestern Pennsylvania

by Barbara L. Jones

Drawn from an era that saw Pittsburgh’s ascension to the height of industrial prowess in the United States and the world, the art in Born of Fire depicts all the drama and awe inspired by that epic age of industry. In the first half of the twentieth century, as smokestacks filled the sky and blast furnaces roared day and night, local and national artists sought to capture the raw energy and visual spectacle of the industrial landscape. The tools and fruits of industry became the glorified subjects of art—railroads, skyscrapers, bridges, steel mills, factories, forges, and laborers are among those portrayed. The collection is also significant for its broad range of artistic styles, and includes a variety of pencil drawings, etchings, lithographs, pastels, oil paintings, watercolors and photographs. Among the artists represented are Thomas Hart Benton, Reginald Marsh, Aaron Harry Gorson, Emil Bott, Otto Kuhler, Hayley Lever, Ernest Lawson, and Johanna Knowles Woodwell Hailman. Born of Fire catalogs a monumental period in the history of both art and industry, and provides a widely varied collection of artists and images that ennobled the spirit of human achievement.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 15, 2006

Reviews

[Mike Zickar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading and seeing Pittsburgh and steel industry-related artwork in the awesome collection of the Westmoreland Museum of American Art. They have a great collection documenting local history and this book celebrates that.

There are two essays. The first covers the history of the steel industry in Pittsburgh and really doesn't address art. This is well-written though perhaps more in depth than needed. The second essay walks the reader through the collection, highlighting individual works and artists. There is in depth treatment of a bunch of artists that receive little art history treatment elsewhere. It is great to celebrate their work! I really appreciated the documentation of source material in this essay; lots of material to pursue more in depth reading.

The book has a set of full color reproductions of around 50 of the collection's highlights and then at the back of the book, there are smaller b&w reproductions of all the pieces in the collection.

I visited the WMAA a couple of years ago and wished I had read this book beforehand. I would have better known what great stuff I was seeing.