William Roberts, R.A.

Hamet Gallery, London, where bought by Sir David Scott, 12 January 1973 for £525

Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, 'William Roberts - Paintings and Watercolours', 27 November - 18 December 1971, no. 16

STRUCTURE The work is on wove paper which has not been laid down. The sheet is attached to the mount by a long piece of tape which runs along the upper edge. There are artist's pinholes in all four corners although these are disguised by the mount. The sheet undulates slightly, particularly along the lower edge. SURFACE There are traces of dirt across the surface of the sheet, particularly along the edges which are disguised by the mount. Otherwise the surface of the sheet is in good overall condition. FRAME Held under glass and presented within a light brown mount in a simple gilded rectilinear frame.
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The depiction of workers, most likely Londoners, taking a break from their labour is characteristic of Roberts' interest in everyday people taking part in daily tasks. The machinery in the background clarifies the nature of their work. The figures are arranged so that they combine to form a coherent group. The two women in the lower left foreground gossip behind protected hands, whilst their neighbour leans on the table and attempts to catch the eye of the man opposite. The figure on the far right appears to be concentrating on lighting or rolling his cigarette. Roberts depicts contemporary life in all its detail using his own highly stylised and personal imagery.