Pewter Mug 1935 - 1942

Editor: We’re looking at Henry Meyers’ "Pewter Mug," a pencil drawing from between 1935 and 1942. There’s something very simple, almost utilitarian about it, but rendered with incredible care. What strikes you about this drawing? Curator: What interests me is considering the function of everyday objects as a reflection of social identity during the interwar period. A pewter mug, even a drawing of one, speaks to class, labor, and the rituals surrounding shared meals. Do you notice how the artist also included technical-style line drawings of the handle? Editor: Yes, I do! I hadn’t thought of the class associations. It's like the drawing is both a portrait of an object and a design schematic. Curator: Exactly! Consider also the implicit gendering of such objects. Who would have been using this mug? Where? How do gendered ideas of labour play into this? The precision of the drawing contrasts with the casual domesticity associated with the object. Editor: So the artist isn’t just drawing a mug; he's capturing a moment in time, revealing complex societal norms and expectations? It's almost like a social commentary disguised as a still life. Curator: Precisely. And understanding that complexity is crucial to unpacking the art's meaning. The apparent simplicity belies a deep engagement with the social and political landscape of the era. Consider, too, who gets to depict these objects, and from what vantage point? Editor: That's given me so much to think about – the social history embedded in a seemingly simple drawing. Curator: Absolutely! Objects can be powerful storytellers, reflecting and shaping our understanding of ourselves and our place in history.