Repairing the Sail c. 1923

Editor: Here we have "Repairing the Sail" by Sir Henry Rushbury. It seems to be a sketch of a busy harbor. What do you notice about the social context of this scene? Curator: This drawing offers a glimpse into the working life of a port. Consider the date; Rushbury, born in 1889, likely captured a scene reflecting ongoing maritime labor. What public role do you think such images played? Editor: Maybe it’s a celebration of industry, or a documentary record of everyday life? Curator: Precisely. Think about how the Tate's acquisition and display of this piece contribute to our understanding of British identity and the romanticized vision of labor. I wonder if Rushbury had a particular socio-political agenda with this drawing? Editor: It's interesting to consider how museums shape our view of even seemingly simple sketches.