Artwork
Inmos Central Spine
Inmos Central Spine is a paint painting by Ben Johnson. It dates from 1985 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The rectilinear structure comprises sixteen identical bays, accommodating controlled production spaces alongside open offices and communal areas.
Ben Johnson’s 1985 painting depicts the Inmos Microprocessor Factory in Newport, Wales, designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership with structural engineer Anthony Hunt. Executed with precise photorealism, the work emphasizes the building’s modular geometry and exposed structural and mechanical systems, reflecting Johnson’s focus on architectural ambition over individual authorship. Commissioned by Inmos as part of a government effort to advance the UK’s microchip industry, the factory was completed within a year using prefabricated components assembled on-site. The rectilinear structure comprises sixteen identical bays, accommodating controlled production spaces alongside open offices and communal areas.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ben Johnson painted ultra-detailed cityscapes in the 1980s. His 1985 painting *Inmos Central Spine* zooms in on the geometric skeleton of a modern building, every bolt and beam rendered with precision. These works…
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