s The Housekeeper's Room - Hull Museums Collections

The Housekeeper's Room

The setting is Bar House, Beverley, in the peaceful environs of Elwell's future home. The artist's attention to detail reveals the Meissen candelabra, bearing a lute-playing figure at its base, which was one of the treasures of the house. In 1911, Fred often visited the house and helped to care for Mary Holmes’ailing husband. Mary and Fred were to marry after his death. Attending 'morning orders' in the housekeeper's room was a nerve-wracking encounter for the poor housemaid and Elwell depicts her tugging nervously at her apron. He has used the effect of light from the window to illuminate the housemaid's stooped back in contrast with the housekeeper's stern countenance. Interestingly, the figures in this painting present conflicting evidence with the date inscribed on it. Emily Rowley, who lived opposite Elwell's studio in Trinity Lane, is thought to be the woman who modelled for the maid. This, however, was in around 1930. Even more confusing, the housekeeper's features have been recognised as those of Elizabeth Chapman, Elwell's housekeeper in the 1950s. One can only assume therefore that the painting was subject to modification during the 43 years between the stated date of completion and its display at the Royal Academy in 1954.