Handle c. 1939

Bernard Westmacott made this drawing of a handle with graphite on paper sometime in the 20th century. The soft application of the graphite creates an almost ethereal quality. It reminds me of the kinds of subtle tonal variations you get with silverpoint, where the material sort of floats on the surface. Looking closely, you can see the artist used delicate strokes to build up the form, giving the metal a textured appearance, as if it has aged and worn over time. The shadows and highlights are softly rendered, and you can almost feel the cool, smooth surface of the metal. See how the handle curves elegantly, inviting you to touch it, to open something, to pass through? This drawing reminds me of the work of Giorgio Morandi, who also found endless fascination in the quiet contemplation of everyday objects. There's a kind of poetry in elevating the mundane, in finding beauty in the simplest forms. Ultimately, this drawing isn't just about a handle; it's about the way we see, the way we connect with the world around us.