12 Comments

Great article! As a resident, can confirm Elvira’s is still open and doing a roaring trade. Surely some helpings of side-eye still dished up too 👀

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Absolutely loved this! Thank you for the mention!

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So much love for this! One of my annual tweets is a photo of pomelos in their protective netting because they remind me of Beryl Cooks' chubby-kneed women in fishnets.

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I’m sure a renaissance of seemingly simple food is stirring. Aren’t we all sick of vanity tasting menus, small plates, food on slates - I could go on?

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What a great review!

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Thoroughly enjoyed reading this article which, whilst focusing on Beryl Cook's paintings, touched a number of interesting observations. eg the reference to the Apprentice's Tom Skinner. Guess BC's style is also reminiscent of the now probably unpolitically correct English seaside postcards. If ever exhibited by the Tate would there be explaination that the size of people painted is in no way a direct observation of people's 'largeness' of size but the painter's style.

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Such a lovely joyful read!

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This is a great article. Really well thought out and written. I had never considered the meaning behind her work, with the connection to post war Britain’s appetite and her reflections on working class life.

Interesting read! Perhaps we will see one in the Tate in the future.

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Frank Kibble’s article is great!

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I really enjoyed reading this and agree with your observations about the snobby attitude towards ordinary peoples experiences in cafes and also Beryl Cook’s work. Those smiley faces and curvy bodies really capture an insightful knowingness about people and life. 🙏

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In love love love love with this. Thanks so much. I definitely recognise the paintings. Going to order a print, obsessed!

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