This is one of the few paintings of Cyfarthfa as a steelworks. Despite appearing busy in this picture, the works was actually losing money and the Crawshays sold it two years after this painting was done to arch-rivals Guest, Keen & Nettlefold.

Prytherch was an artist from Dowlais who came from humble background and went on to achieve success. He worked at Dowlais Ironworks from the age of 10. Lady Wimbourne noted his work and effected his transfer to the engineering drawing office. Five years later, Pritchard Morgan, MP, saw his political cartoons and sent him to the Slade School of Art. He often revisited the Merthyr Tydfil area and the Museum holds several of his works.