In the late nineteenth century, the artist’s studio was a place both of work and socialising. Young artists often painted friends and family members in convivial studios, while awaiting paid commissions. Domestic scenes, such as Bale’s Leisure moments 1902, or Vida Lahey’s Monday morning 1912, showed the artists’ interest in representing contemporary life at the turn of the century. Lahey’s images of women at work were unusual for the time, and reflected her progressive attitudes.
