Watercolour, 1933.
The two women in question are Charlotte, Bawden’s wife in the deckchair leaning against the walnut tree, and Tirzah, Ravilious’s wife, preparing vegetables.
This is Brick House in Essex, Bawden’s large house and garden which at this point was shared by both couples, all having a hand in its decoration.
The women made marbled paper for the house, whilst, as reported by Charlotte in the spring of 1932, ‘Edward and Rav are at Bardfield this week, decorating the ‘Victorian’ room.
They are threatening to paint stags’ horns and trophies of the chase in suitable positions on the wall, and forget-me-nots and pansies round the fireplace, but I think Rav will keep a discreet hand over Edward’s rococo spirit’.
This is a rare painting – not only is the subject winsome – reading, and the shelling or pairing of peas, but it is rare too for Ravilious to depict his friends and loved ones.

Giclée print, Limited Edition (1/950) on 310gms thick, 100% cotton rag.
Hand-numbered and hand-embossed.

Image Size: 430 mm x 535 mm
Paper Size: 610 mm x 720 mm
Edition Size: 950