Utility ware mid- century oil painting on board

Utility Ware, 1951 — Oil on Board

A charming mid-20th-century still-life painting depicting a collection of utilitarian domestic vessels, arranged against a muted green interior. The composition features rustic pottery, a decorated yellow jug, a terracotta bowl, a stoneware crock, a white ceramic flask and a small glass bottle. The earthy palette of sage green, ochre, terracotta, cream and brown, together with the visible brushwork, gives the work a distinctly traditional and atmospheric character.

52 x 62 cm

The reverse bears an intriguing handwritten provenance label reading “UTILITY WARE” 54, with the name Lt. Cdr. L. A. Kew, R.N.(Lieutenant Commander Leslie A. Kew) and the address 9 Cleave Road, Gillingham, Kent. The address is of particular interest given Gillingham's close association with the historic Chatham naval dockyards.

The painting is presented in a substantial dark-stained wooden frame with moulded detailing and a pale gold-toned inner slip. Another label on the reverse reads “HANDMADE AT WAREHAM · DORSET”, suggesting a Dorset connection to the manufacture of the board .

The inscription “54” appears to indicate that it was either exhibited or was part of the artists reference numbers.  The title Utility Ware is particularly evocative of the era, referring to the plain, functional domestic wares associated with Britain's wartime and post-war culture. Starting in the early 40's. the British government restricted the production of decorative items, ensuring that factories focused on plain , functional and durable everyday goods.