Laura Knight (1877-1970)
https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/ruby-loftus-screwing-a-breech-ring-7110
When Dan was talking to Ben about paintings of people at work my mind went to this image, Ruby Loftus Screwing a Breech Ring (Imperial War Museum). This reminds me of my Nana who worked in a munitions factory as a teenager (from age 14 or 15 I think) As is the same for many people of that generation she never spoke about it - having lost her brother in WWI and having so many men go to war in WWII. What a time to have lived through! As an adult I so wish I could have a conversation with her about what her young life was like...Anyway here are some images
I think this is quite a famous image but while looking it up I came across Evelyn Dunbar (1906-1960) who google tells me was the only woman with a full time salaried commission as a WWII artist. Her paintings often showed ordinary women doing things for the war effort. She is an artist that is new to me.
It looks like a photograph, with the womans face and arms heightened, enhanced somehow. i like her intent attention, same with her colleagues in the background.