Romance of a Lump of Coal

A filmic speed date with the multifaceted rock celebrates its talents and virtues in the days before its shortcomings soured the relationship.

In the 1930s our love affair with fossil fuel was in full swing. Was there no end to its talents? It warms us, and provides light when the fickle sun goes down. Approached in the right way it yields chemical delights that make perfumes, paints and plant fertiliser. Perhaps our relationship has been through a rocky patch in recent times, but this publicity film is a snapshot of the romance in happier times.