Study for ‘The Swimming Bath’ c. 1959

Curator: This is William Roberts' preliminary drawing, "Study for 'The Swimming Bath.'" Though undated, it offers an intimate look into his creative process. Editor: Immediately, the composition strikes me as quite formal, almost architectural, despite the implied fluidity of the bathers and water. Curator: Roberts was deeply influenced by Cubism and Vorticism, movements that sought to represent multiple perspectives simultaneously. The grid underlying this sketch reveals that influence, showcasing how Roberts structured the composition. We can view this as a reaction to the prevailing social dynamics after WWI. Editor: The bathers themselves, with their simplified forms, remind me of classical figures. There is a sense of timeless ritual about them, connecting past and present. The figures are almost like symbols, evoking collective memories of leisure and communal space. Curator: Absolutely, and it raises questions about the social functions of leisure, particularly in a time of post-war reconstruction and changing class dynamics. Editor: A brief glimpse into Roberts' vision. It will be interesting to look at this drawing again after we see the final painting.