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Timber planing at the sawmill, 1953
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from STEAM Museum
Timber planing at the sawmill, 1953
A man operates a planing machine in one of the Works sawmills. Hundreds of metres of wood were planed each week ready for use on carriages and wagons
STEAM - Museum of the Great Western Railway
Media ID 19984113
© STEAM Museum of the GWR
Swindon Works Timber Wood Sawmill
EDITORS COMMENTS
In this print from 1953, we are transported back in time to the bustling sawmill of Swindon Works. A skilled man stands proudly at his planing machine, surrounded by towering stacks of timber. The atmosphere is filled with the unmistakable scent of freshly cut wood. With precision and expertise, he operates the planing machine, transforming rough planks into smooth and polished pieces ready for use on carriages and wagons. This was no small feat; hundreds of meters of wood were meticulously planed each week within these very walls. The sheer magnitude of the operation is awe-inspiring. Countless lengths of timber stretch out as far as the eye can see, awaiting their turn to be shaped into essential components for GWR's iconic carriages and wagons. This image captures not only a moment frozen in time but also a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship. It serves as a reminder that behind every finished product lies countless hours of meticulous workmanship. As we gaze upon this remarkable scene preserved within STEAM Museum's collection, we cannot help but appreciate the dedication and skill required to transform raw materials into functional works of art. This photograph allows us to glimpse into an era where manual labor played an integral role in shaping our transportation systems—a true testament to the legacy left behind by Swindon Works' artisans.
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