-Mother Hubbard- still bank c. mid 20th century

This still bank, made by Kirchhof, presents the nursery rhyme character Mother Hubbard. The colours are bright, primary, and the marks are simple and efficient, reminiscent of children's book illustration. It's printed on tin, so the surface is smooth and slightly reflective, which gives the image a kind of pop. Look at the way the artist uses line to define form, especially in the dog's face. It’s so straightforward, but also so expressive. The dog's hopeful posture says everything. And the text! It's integrated right into the picture, which is something I love to do too, text as image! It reminds me a little of some of Red Grooms’s playful constructions or maybe even some early Hockney stage designs, where everything is reduced to its most essential elements. This piece invites us to remember the joy of simple stories and the pleasure of saving up for something special.