Utility Box c. 1939

This ‘Utility Box’ was made by Christabel Scrymser, though we don’t know exactly when. Scrymser has clearly revelled in the act of decoration, adorning the box with stylized botanical motifs and geometric patterns in a limited palette. It reminds me that art-making is as much about the process of seeing and doing as it is about the final outcome. The colours are muted – a mix of reds, blues and yellows – applied in thin washes. This gives the piece an airy quality, preventing the intricate design from feeling too heavy. The surface has a slightly rough texture, which suggests the use of handmade paper. Notice how the artist has used the pattern to emphasise the form of the box, with stripes along the edges and floral designs on the top and sides. Each carefully placed mark contributes to the overall sense of balance and harmony. I find the contrast between the rigid geometry of the box and the organic shapes of the flowers particularly interesting. I see echoes of the folk art tradition, with its emphasis on simple materials, bold colours, and decorative patterns, perhaps like some of the work of Henri Matisse, who was also very interested in the decorative impulse. It reminds us that art is a conversation, and no work exists in a vacuum.