Andiron (one of pair) c. 1938

Herman Bader made this drawing of an andiron, one of a pair, with graphite on paper. I love the grey scale here, which seems to emphasise the object’s form and texture, and the shadows cast against the blank space of the page. Look at how the light seems to catch the rounded top of the andiron, giving it a subtle gleam, contrasting with the rougher texture of the metal. The artist has used a range of marks to suggest the different surfaces and how they respond to light and shadow. The small marks all add up, building up the structure and three-dimensionality of the object. There's something so satisfying about the way this drawing captures the essence of a functional object. It reminds me a little of the drawings of everyday objects by Edward Bawden, they both have a similar interest in form and detail. It’s also a useful reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places.