William McBrearty, Sawyer 1943 - 1944

Editor: Here we have Sir Stanley Spencer’s pencil drawing of "William McBrearty, Sawyer". The figure looks quite stoic. What stands out to you about the process of creating this portrait? Curator: Spencer's choice of a humble material like pencil, elevates the laboring class subject. The careful rendering speaks to the value he placed on McBrearty's work, challenging the traditional hierarchy of portraiture which often celebrated the elite. This emphasis on labor, materiality, and its connection to class are all quite relevant. What do you make of this reading? Editor: That's a good point, I hadn't considered how the medium itself could contribute to the message about labor and social class. Thanks! Curator: Indeed, looking at art through the lens of production reveals hidden meanings.