About this artwork

The two children depicted in this painting are Mary and Pat Samson, who lived near Eardley's studio in the Townhead area of Glasgow. They feature in many of her paintings. The stencilled lettering and fragments of collaged newspaper imitate graffiti; the silver and gold papers are probably sweet wrappers. The Gallery purchased the painting in May 1963, not long before the artist’s death. Invited to comment on it, Eardley wrote: ‘It was started in winter of Jan and Feb 1962. And repainted along with others of its series last winter December 62-Jan 63. I can’t think of any more information to give you. The children whom I often paint were my models as far as I can remember (members of the Samson family).’ 

Updated November 2022

see media
  • artist:
  • title:
    Children and Chalked Wall 3
  • date created:
    1962 - 1963
  • materials:
    Oil, newspaper and metal foil on canvas
  • measurements:
    61.00 x 68.60 cm; Framed: 67.30 x 74.80 x 5.50 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1963
  • accession number:
    GMA 853
  • gallery:
  • subject:
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Joan Eardley

Joan Eardley