P.G. Wodehouse 

Editor: Here we have a pencil drawing titled "P.G. Wodehouse" by David Low. The loose sketch-like quality gives it a really spontaneous feel, almost like we're catching a glimpse of a real person in motion. What's your take on it? Curator: This drawing provides an intriguing glimpse into the visual culture of its time, especially considering Low’s career as a political cartoonist. How might this seemingly benign portrait engage with broader issues of class and representation in British society? Notice the confident pose, the elaborate clothing—how does this contribute to or challenge Wodehouse's public image, and potentially, the broader class dynamics represented in his work? Editor: That’s a good point. The way Wodehouse is presented does seem deliberate, almost like Low is commenting on his persona as much as just portraying him. But how does that translate into an activist reading of the piece? Curator: Well, think about the historical context. What’s going on politically and socially when this image is made? How are people being represented, and by whom? Low’s drawing then becomes part of a conversation about power, privilege, and who gets to control the narrative. Who is granted the visual space, and with what level of scrutiny? Editor: So, even a seemingly straightforward portrait can be loaded with meaning depending on when and why it was created. It makes you think about the responsibility of the artist, and how every representation has a point of view. Curator: Exactly! And our responsibility as viewers is to critically examine those perspectives. It prompts questions: what stories are being told, and whose stories are being left out? Editor: That's given me a whole new way to look at portraits, I’ll definitely be considering that going forward!