British-born painter who was very involved in The Independent
Labour Party. He specialised in Tempera painting and helped to set up the
Society of Painters in Tempera. One of his inspirational artistic role models
was DG Rossetti whose work can also be seen in this show.
Southall made the mural that confronts the visitor at the entrance of Birmingham
Art Gallery and a self-portrait with his wife is at the National Portrait
Gallery.
During
the First World War, food became scarce. Can you imagine what it is like to
have food rationed today? Remember the fuel crisis of 2001. In a matter of days
panic swept the nation as rumours of petrol shortages spread. Many motorists
became very selfish.
How can a society be made more considerate in a crisis?
"Look
luv, just behave will you? I've told you this I don't know how many times, there's
a war on, and as a consequence food's scarce,
and like I've told you a thousand times before there won't be any chocolate;
there won't be any nice buns; there won't be any nice sweets.
And before you ask, no, they still won't have any bananas. We're going to get
some nice tripe and some nice onions - don't look at me like that luv,
tripe and onions are really nice, tripe and onions are full of nourishment;
tripe and onions are good for your health; tripe and onions will give you lots
of energy, so you'll be able to run around and annoy me all day, all right?
And when we get into the shop, remember - Don't Touch - not that there'll be
much to touch - but don't touch it anyway.
What's that luv? No luv, I can't remember what a banana tastes like.
)
