This painting is the reason I have a fascination with the decorative Margaret Preston. In the flesh it is stunning. Must have been a favourite of Prestons as she held on to it through her life.
The painting is full of deliberate decoration. The pattern rules. All embracing pattern marching over the surface.
I can really see the Japanese influence here. Full and empty space.
Large forms with patches of colour. Sunny daisies with the quirky reflection of the table-cloth in the teapot.

| Margaret Preston, Still life with teapot and daisies, 1915 |
Julia Ritson
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