The Camden Town Group in Context

This drawing depicts a woman with her face partially hidden by the brim of a large plumed hat. The strong shadows on the right of the composition and the indication of flowers to the left with what could be a window frame above suggest that the woman is seated out of doors; however, the flower pattern could also be wallpaper with wood panelling above. The looseness of the lines suggests that Drummond made the sketch quickly with the model in front of him. The style of outfit and large hat are similar to those worn by the sitter in Girl with Palmettes; ?Portrait of the Artist’s Wife c.1914 (Tate T00893).

The sketch is on page 6 of a ‘Press Sketch Book’ made by Reeves & Son Ltd, London. The sketchbook has a variety of drawings in it, including figure studies, street scenes, landscapes, performers on stage and nudes. Audience at a Cinema or Music Hall, Woman Reading and Man Sleeping are from the same sketchbook (TGA 8915, TGA 8915 and TGA 8915).