This early 20th-century drawing by British artist Phyllis Mary Antrobus (1905-1983) depicts a family within a lounge interior.

It was produced in 1918 when she was 13 years old and perhaps one of these young ladies is her.

It’s a particularly poignant work by Antrobus as she was raised without the presence of her father who passed away in 1907. Edmund Antrobus was a notable surgeon who spent time in Great Malvern when the town was flourishing due to the healing properties of the ‘water cure’. It seems he moved around quite frequently to educate himself.

In 1911, Phyllis was living in Liverpool with her mother, grandmother, uncle and two siblings. This scene probably represents a typical evening spent with her mother and friends.

It’s signed, dated, held in a period frame and glazed.

Medium: Pen and ink on paper
Overall size: 21½” x 17” / 54cm x 44cm
Year of creation: 1918
Condition: Artwork presents well. Minor foxing. Frame with some light wear.