Object description
image: A long line of women queue outside the shop of H. Hill and Son, fishmongers, poulterers. The slabs are being washed down in anticipation of a fresh delivery.
Label
The management of food consumption, most obviously through the rationing of certain essentials, was introduced almost immediately at the start of World War Two. Fish supplies were affected as the Royal Navy requisitioned much of the fishing fleet and the German navy operating in the North Sea restricted the activity of the remaining east coast fleets. Although fresh fish was in short supply, and therefore very expensive, being perishable it was never rationed. Fish queues were therefore always long and even air raids could not disperse them. Dunbar’s canvas size emphasises the length of the queue (a cat has joined in, rather hopefully) and her observation of detail shows the women's determination and expectations as they carry their large empty baskets and the fishmonger prepares the stall. Dunbar makes clear who is expected to queue - women and older men - and who will have their meals served to them. The passing serviceman on his bicycle and the service women facing us from the canvas both have more urgent business to attend. The only civilians in a hurry are those rushing to join the queue. The shopping queue was not only a symbol of shortages but also part of the difficult process of adapting to the new and daily realities.
History note
War Artists Advisory Committee commission
Inscription
Evelyn Dunbar
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