Black Powder Factory Building......(4)

A little more info of the factory’s history. https://canmore.org.uk/site/105895/wigtown-carsegowan-ministry-of-supply-black-powder-factory can still be seen to the S. Adjacent to the Moss reserve there are the surviving buildings and infrastructure of the World War Two black powder factory. The buildings are spread around a large site and had varying uses from milling, grinding, ball milling,charcoal plant, storage for the finished black powder and lots of air raid shelters. It was a top secret affair with only RAF personnel, Police with some civilians. I think the site was chosen because it already had a mature coppiced Alder wood, the chosen wood to turn into charcoal for part of the powder process. Also because it’s in the middle of nowhere! It’s quite eerie walking around the woods, which nature has now reclaimed, and come across buildings surrounded by brambles and trees. I keep expecting to bump in to a powder worker, or two. Everything was shipped around the site by a narrow gauge railway, all precautions were taken to minimise any chance of sparks flying around the place! Most of the buildings are surrounded by huge earth banks as safety precautions. There were three explosions in its short history, all with fatalities and after the last one in 1945 it was wound down.

This is so interesting Fiona, and beautifully painted. The trees are very good and the foreground scrub balances well with the colours in the building.

Yes, I'd keep clear of the strange woman, can't be too careful these days....interesting place, if only you could have a time lapse camera. You've definitely caught a feeling of mystery with the viewpoint. I like the blue green colour here against the warm browns and yellows.

Fabulous painting Fiona and great historical information as well. I do like these old military bases etc so full of atmosphere and a little spooky to boot.

Very interesting Fiona, but you have rendered it beautifully.

It's good that nature is reclaiming this eerie place - you have painted the trees and grasses so well with a lovely range of colours.

Amazing trees and grass.

This is a fantastic painting, Fiona. And a history about it: very interesting!

Very interesting History Fiona, and as always, a very good painting with those trees and grasses.

Great info, Fiona. I think I saw a documentary about this place...I can well understand that it has atmosphere. Love your painting, you seem to be able to paint trees and grass effortlessly.

You’ve captured the mysterious somewhat spooky feel to this abandoned building. Wonderful colours in the grasses reclaiming the site

I really like this Fiona, very interesting

Beautifully painted and really interesting. Good to see some remains of that site still there. I remember playing in an old barracks when I was a child - but all signs of the buildings long since eradicated.

More likely that strange women carrying a sketch book - enough to make anyone shudder... Love it! Super sketch and a plethora of history to boot!

Beautifully painted Fiona with great colours. Very interesting history too. Good to see nature reclaiming the site.

another fine piece Fiona lovely work in the trees and grass.

Love reading your thoughts and comments when I post subjects such as this one. I knew I couldn’t be the only one who would be interested in places like this, it’s the intrigue of how a place like this worked. A couple of the buildings have been perfect places for installing owl boxes, which have been successful. There are red squirrels, deer, and otters have been sited, as well as a good mixed bag of our feathered friends. Thank you all very much!

You've made the mundane look brilliant, Fiona, nice negative painting in the grasses and the colour palette lifts the scene nicely. I've been to the 'Devil's Porridge' -is this anywhere near?

Thanks Willie. I think Devils Porridge is near Annan Willie, I don’t think they made black powder there, was it cordite they made? This place is near Newton Stewart.

A well painted artwork with historical interest.

Love this.

Your foreground is very John Blockley Fiona. Both in colour and style.

Lovely painting of a subject with a story which always adds more interest

Love old derelict buildings where nature has taken over - had a few near where I lived as a child and we used to spend ages exploring them. This is a great painting, Fiona, lovely colours and I especially like the trees and the negative painting (?) of grasses in the foreground.

Kwok, Stevan, Paul, Denise, Jenny, many thanks for taking a look and commenting, greatly appreciated.

Lovely style and beautifully done, also thanks for info Fiona.

Lovely painting yet again Fiona. You seem to be excelling with your trees and grasses and we not only get to see the art but get a free history lesson too which makes it so interesting.

Just seen this browsing the gallery. It's a very dramatic painting Fiona. I love the foreground.

Carole, Carol and George....thank you very much for your interest and kind comments, they are very much appreciated.

Really super painting Fiona and so interesting to read all the info from yourself and other Artists. Likewise i like to give some info about my paintings as it gives a sense of place.

Atmosphere of this subject captured perfectly Fiona.

David, I think so too. I like to read about the subject I’m looking at, whether it’s a bit of history, location, what inspired it and so on. Thank you for your lovely comment. Thank you Shaun, very kind.

I think, just superb!! is sufficiant.

Thank you very much Colin, appreciate you taking a look and your comment.

Beautiful. You have really caught the atmosphere here, lovely light also.

Thank you very much Alison.

This is such a wonderful painting, I have always said you have the talent and I was right! A thumbs up from me👍 My apologies for no comments but I have been and still unwell due to my condition and Josie is getting worse and life is a bit difficult?

I’m sorry to hear of yours and Josies health situation William. I hope you will both receive the necessary medical attention and will soon be feeling much better. Thank you for letting me know, and thank you for being so kind about my paintings. Take care x