Hutch Table c. 1938

Editor: Here we have Margery Parish’s “Hutch Table,” a watercolor and ink drawing on paper from around 1938. It feels so clean and precise, almost like an architectural blueprint, but then there’s the warmth of the watercolor. What draws your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: The symmetry certainly stands out, but it’s the wheel motif that holds my gaze. Wheels signify continuity, cycles of life, fortune, even enlightenment in some Eastern traditions. Think about the Shaker communities – their aesthetic emphasized simplicity and functionality, but within that, the circle appeared often as a symbol of spiritual wholeness and perfection. Do you think Parish's "Hutch Table" resonates similarly? Editor: I see the resemblance! This flower or wheel feels really central, both visually and symbolically. The geometric star feels, almost quilt-like. Do you think that draws from similar beliefs or folk art tradition? Curator: Absolutely. Quilt patterns were – and are – potent forms of storytelling, mapping communal memory, beliefs, and practical knowledge onto fabric. That central rosette here… does it suggest a compass rose to you? Or perhaps the points signify the directions? There is a synthesis between craft and industry – celebrating and aestheticizing utilitarian values. Editor: That's a whole new layer for me. I never would have considered the symbolism inherent in this. Now I'm seeing this very simple design as a nod to cultural values, a physical and mental map. Thank you! Curator: Indeed! Hopefully, that helps us appreciate the profound connection that simple everyday objects, such as the humble table, establish in reflecting shared memory and culture.