Still Life With Lemon by Philip Mathews (Irish/British, 1916–1984)

£950.00

About the Painting

This atmospheric still life by Philip Mathews features a table set with everyday objects — a bottle of milk, and bottle of wine, a lemon, coffee pot and pan and an airmail letter — all lit by a shaft of daylight. The dark background contrasts beautifully with the glowing yellow and green checked tablecloth and sunlit items, creating a quiet moment full of warmth and stillness. The subtle narrative hints at correspondence, routine, and the quiet poetry of everyday life. A striking example of Mathews’ sensitive handling of light and composition.

For more information on Philip Mathews please read the artist biography.

Key Details

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Dimensions Unframed: 61cm x 51cm | Framed: 79cm x 69cm

Condition : The painting is in very good condition, with one historic, professionally executed repair to the canvas. This is only visible from the back and does not detract from the visual impact or stability of the work.

Framing : The piece is presented in a complementary, high-quality frame, ready to hang.

Delivery & Packaging : National and international delivery is available. At hutt, all orders are packed using environmentally friendly materials with great care to ensure the artwork arrives safely and sustainably.

About the Painting

This atmospheric still life by Philip Mathews features a table set with everyday objects — a bottle of milk, and bottle of wine, a lemon, coffee pot and pan and an airmail letter — all lit by a shaft of daylight. The dark background contrasts beautifully with the glowing yellow and green checked tablecloth and sunlit items, creating a quiet moment full of warmth and stillness. The subtle narrative hints at correspondence, routine, and the quiet poetry of everyday life. A striking example of Mathews’ sensitive handling of light and composition.

For more information on Philip Mathews please read the artist biography.

Key Details

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Dimensions Unframed: 61cm x 51cm | Framed: 79cm x 69cm

Condition : The painting is in very good condition, with one historic, professionally executed repair to the canvas. This is only visible from the back and does not detract from the visual impact or stability of the work.

Framing : The piece is presented in a complementary, high-quality frame, ready to hang.

Delivery & Packaging : National and international delivery is available. At hutt, all orders are packed using environmentally friendly materials with great care to ensure the artwork arrives safely and sustainably.

About the Artist: Philip Mathews (1916–1984)

Philip Mathews was an Irish-born British painter whose work spans still life, landscape, and abstracted interiors. He studied at the Royal College of Art in London during the late 1930s, where he formed lifelong friendships with artists including John Minton and Keith Vaughan, both of whom shared a similar interest in intimate, emotive subjects and structured composition. Mathews also became connected with members of the Euston Road School, whose commitment to observational painting shaped his approach to form and clarity.

Mathews exhibited widely during his career. Notable shows include solo and group exhibitions at:

  • The Royal Academy of Arts, London

  • Leicester Galleries, London

  • The Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), Dublin

  • Tate Britain, London (as part of mid-century survey exhibitions)

His work is held in several prominent public and private collections, including:

  • The Arts Council Collection

  • The Royal Academy, London

  • The Government Art Collection

  • The Ulster Museum, Belfast

  • The Whitworth, Manchester

  • University College Dublin Art Collection

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