Womens Canteen at Phoenix Works, Bradford
'Women's Canteen at Phoenix Works, Bradford' 1918 by Flora Lion, who was commissioned to paint factory scenes of the home front during World War 1.
The narrative of this painting very appealing. Better known for her portraits of the distinguished and celebrated of the day, in this painting Lion has created an incredible snapshot of a very ordinary moment in a working day at a munitions factory.
Immediately one gets a sense of how weary those women are with the manual work they've been allowed to take a break from. Look at the resigned waiting captured on the face of the girl holding her enamel tea mug. Is she taking a moment to think about a brother, her Father or maybe a sweetheart fighting in the war whilst she waits? Or is she simply wondering what's on the lunchtime menu?
One's eyes are also drawn to those dainty heeled boots which the woman in khaki on the right of the painting leaning against the counter, is wearing. It instantly feminises the practicality of the overalls being worn. We can ponder what her duties are that require her to wear trousers when most are in smocks?
One's eyes are also drawn to those dainty heeled boots which the woman in khaki on the right of the painting leaning against the counter, is wearing. It instantly feminises the practicality of the overalls being worn. We can ponder what her duties are that require her to wear trousers when most are in smocks?
This painting is currently in the posession of the Imperial Wat Museum London
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By the way, there's a blog award for you waiting back at VK headquarters!
Thank you so much for the award VK!
And welcome to Fanny & Shirl too!
:)