Who painted Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast?

Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast was painted by Edward William Cooke in 20.

Where can I see Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast?

Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast?

Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast?

Museum-quality prints of Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast

Edward William Cooke , 20

Rubislaw Quarry, Aberdeen - Just after the Blast is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Edward William Cooke. It dates from 20 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Edward Cooke’s pencil drawing records Rubislaw Quarry in Aberdeen in the immediate aftermath of an explosion.

About this work

Overview

Edward Cooke’s pencil drawing records Rubislaw Quarry in Aberdeen in the immediate aftermath of an explosion. The work bears its title and date on the surface, while a secondary inscription links it to F. Moigno and the date 20 July 1858. The composition captures a moment of industrial disruption within the quarry’s dramatic landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The scene centers on a massive triangular framework—likely a temporary support or scaffolding—surrounded by a dense gathering of onlookers. Their presence suggests communal interest in the blast’s consequences, while figures positioned at the quarry’s edge convey a sense of vigilance toward the unstable rock faces.

Technique & Style

Executed in pencil, the drawing employs meticulous cross‑hatching to render the textures of stone, debris, and cliff surfaces. The artist’s precise line work conveys depth and materiality, emphasizing the rugged topography and the chaotic arrangement of rocks scattered across the foreground.

History & Provenance

An inscription attributing the piece to F. Moigno, dated 20 July 1858, indicates a possible later ownership or annotation. The original creator, Edward Cooke, is identified by the primary title and date, situating the work within mid‑nineteenth‑century documentary art of industrial sites.

Context

Rubislaw Quarry was a major source of granite in Scotland, and explosions were a routine part of its operation. Cooke’s drawing reflects contemporary interest in documenting industrial processes and their impact on both the landscape and local communities.