Fleet’s in c. 1928 - 1929

Editor: This is Edward Burra's print called "Fleet's in," a striking black and white image from the Tate collection. It feels like a memory, or a dream. What draws your eye when you look at this piece? Curator: The stark contrast immediately grabs attention, but it's the layering of symbols that intrigues me. The woman, the ships, the exotic animal… each element seems to hint at something beyond the immediate scene, almost like a tableau vivant. Editor: A tableau vivant? Curator: Yes, it is a staged scene frozen in time. Think about what the phrase "Fleet's In" might have meant during Burra's time. How does that context change your understanding of the woman? Editor: I see it now. The title makes me think about sailors on leave, maybe she is waiting for someone. Curator: Precisely. The image becomes imbued with expectation, perhaps even a touch of melancholy. Editor: It makes you think about a story hidden in the artwork. Curator: Yes, and each viewer will bring their own symbols to understand the narrative.