This early 20th-century watercolour by British artist Joseph William Hammick (1882-1950) depicts a smartly attired couple within a theatre. Hammick was a draughtsman predominantly known for his elegant newspaper illustrations.Born into a multi-generational family of bakers, Hammick was destined to follow in his father’s footsteps. His parents, siblings and grandparents all worked in a bakery and his formative years were spent in this environment. How he trained as an artist is unknown as there are no apparent records relating to his education.Perhaps, given his aptitude for figurative work, his inspiration was derived from the various finely dressed patrons who frequented the family shop. In this respect, we’re reminded of the great JMW Turner who was raised in a busy London barber’s and would sell his drawings to customers.In 1901, the census recorded young Hammick’s occupation as an ‘Artist’. At just 19, he’d somehow attained the level of being regarded as a professional....