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Structured Spaces:
Architecture in National Gallery Paintings

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A Brave New World?

London Landmarks

The Great Western Railway | Technique | Industrialisation

Detail from J. M. W. Turner, 'Rain, Steam, and Speed - The Great Western Railway', before 1844.

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J. M. W. Turner, 'Rain, Steam, and Speed - The Great Western Railway', before 1844.

Turner has buried its heavy piers in luminous clouds of colour, so that the viaduct seems almost to float above the water it spans.

Despite this, it remains a substantial structure, perhaps even a menacing form: the steep angle of perspective used makes both the viaduct and the train appear to hurtle out towards the viewer.

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