Bed c. 1936

Wellington Blewett’s ‘Bed’, made with watercolour, graphite and coloured pencil, presents us with a methodical study of form. The drawing is divided into precise renderings of a bed frame, and meticulous annotations of its dimensions. Notice how Blewett’s approach to line varies. In the upper depiction, lines create a three-dimensional illusion, defining the contours and volume of the bed. Below, the lines are flatter, serving more as outlines that delineate the bed's structure. The limited palette of pale browns and creams enhances this analytical mood, reinforcing a sense of objective observation. The shadows too are minimal, so as to highlight the overall structure. The structure of the piece and the variations in technique reflect broader artistic and philosophical concerns around representation and reality. Blewett invites us to consider the interplay between object and representation, challenging our understanding of space and perception.