Attic Door Latch c. 1936

Editor: So, this drawing is called "Attic Door Latch," created by James M. Lawson around 1936. It's a detailed pencil drawing of, well, various latches and handles. I'm struck by how utilitarian the subject is, yet the artist took the time to render it so precisely. What catches your eye? Curator: I'm interested in how Lawson elevates everyday objects—tools used in the physical construction of space—to the level of art. The labor involved in making and installing these latches is implicit. It also suggests a social commentary; during the 1930s, the working class and the means of production were increasingly visible subjects. Consider the precise, almost technical, drawing style – is it a celebration of craft, or simply a study of form? Editor: That’s a great point. It almost feels like an instruction manual. The drawing itself is a process. The means of production on paper, referencing the means of production in real life, right? Curator: Exactly! Lawson presents these humble objects as worthy of close attention. Are we meant to admire the design, the utility, the labour involved in their creation and use? By showcasing the physicality and form of a latch, Lawson blurs the distinction between "high art" and the functional objects produced for the masses. Does this challenge traditional artistic categories, perhaps questioning the established hierarchy of artistic subjects? Editor: That’s fascinating. I never thought about it that way, but it reframes how I look at what we consider “art.” The process behind even a simple drawing has a deeper connection to the social and industrial environment. Curator: Yes, and by emphasizing the object’s materiality and purpose, Lawson invites us to consider the socio-economic conditions that gave rise to its creation and its value within a specific historical context. Editor: I learned a lot from looking closely at what appears to be a very common subject! I definitely see a lot of art differently now!