Silver Tankard c. 1936

This 'Silver Tankard' was made by Charlotte Winter. I love how Winter has built up the form of this tankard using layers of graphite. Look at the subtle variations in tone, the way she captures the light reflecting off the surface of the metal. It’s like she’s building the object from pure light, a process of revelation. There's a real sense of touch in the drawing, a kind of haptic knowledge. You can almost feel the coolness of the metal, the smooth curve of the handle, the weight of the object in your hand. And then there are the little details. The inscription, 'Warrie from his Grandfather, Dec 25, 1856' adds a personal touch. It feels like a memento, a tangible link to the past. It reminds me a little of some of Morandi's still life paintings, the way he imbues everyday objects with a sense of quiet dignity. Both artists seem to be saying: look closely, there's beauty to be found in the ordinary.