Assemblages of objects lying around an artist’s studio, paint brushes, potted rhododendrons, natural history objects, fabrics, often formed the subject of still lives, though the chance arrangement of a composition was rarely as casual as it appeared. In Burleigh’s studio view an easel is visible at the edge of the composition, with objects laid out in front, ready to be painted, a view of the terraced houses of the artist’s native Hove is visible beyond, seen through half-drawn curtains. formed the subject of still lives, though the chance arrangement of a composition was rarely as casual as it appeared. In Burleigh’s studio view an easel is visible at the edge of the composition, with objects laid out in front, ready to be painted – a view of the terraced houses of the artist’s native Hove is visible beyond, seen through half-drawn curtains.
Charles H. Burleigh is perhaps best-known for his interior scenes of buildings around Brighton and Hove. In addition to his paintings of the Royal Pavilion and Brighton Arts Club, Burleigh captured images of his personal life, such as his wife, Averil Burleigh, painting in their home at 7 Wilbury Crescent (Brighton and Hove Museum and Art Galleries).
This still-life is thought to be from a different part of that very room, and the Regency-style architecture of Hove is visible through the half-drawn curtains.