Work on the Land Timber Hauling by William Rothenstein

William Rothenstein's contemplative lithograph transforms forest labour into an act of quiet heroism. Workers strain together to haul massive timber through woodland, their coordinated effort rendered in warm, earthy tones that echo the natural world they inhabit. Rothenstein captures the physical toll and collective determination required to extract the resources that sustained the war machine: wood for trenches, for transport, for the infrastructure of modern conflict. 

Set against the backdrop of ancient forests, the print speaks to humanity's dependence on nature even amid industrial warfare. These unsung labourers, invisible to those who celebrated military victories, performed backbreaking work essential to every soldier's survival. Rothenstein's restrained style elevates their struggle into something monumental, recognising that the Home Front's contribution was as vital as any battlefield heroism. This 1917 government commission honours those whose sweat and sacrifice in the forests provided the material foundation for Britain's war effort.

• Own this limited-edition print and possess a meditation on labour, sacrifice, and the ordinary people whose work changed history.
• This original print, part of the Efforts and Ideals series limited edition of lithographic prints, has agreement to be sold to raise funds for IWM's collection Art department and more copies have been retained in our storage.