Every day I look at the world from my window

In the seemingly endless weeks of life under lockdown due to Covid-19 the only view of the world seen by some people was through a window. I have selected some artworks of people looking through windows and tried to imagine that they are living under lockdown and what they might be thinking. Thanks to Ray Davies of The Kinks for the title of my curation and the inspiration for the first picture!

Artists featured in this Curation: Paul Radcliffe (1907–1992), Peter Rasmussen (b.1927), Stephen Chaplin (b.1934), Thérèse Lessore (1884–1945), William Rothenstein (1872–1945), Colin William Dick (1929–2017), Marie-Louise von Motesiczky (1906–1996), Dorothy Johnstone (1892–1980), Georges van Houten (1888–1964), Emrys Williams (b.1958), and 3 more See all

14 artworks

Storyline Album Showcase

Waterloo Sunset

How many more sunsets until I can go and meet my lover on Waterloo Bridge again?
Helen
Paul Radcliffe (1907–1992)
Oil on board
H 118.5 x W 76 cm
Gallery Oldham

© the artist's estate. Image credit: Gallery Oldham
I don't have to get dressed today

No point in getting dressed today. Who's going to see me?
The Bedroom Window
Peter Rasmussen (b.1927)
Oil on canvas
H 38.1 x W 27.9 cm
RWA (Royal West of England Academy)

© the copyright holder. Image credit: RWA (Royal West of England Academy)
When can I go home?

The view from my window at home is so much nicer than the one from the window by my hospital bed.
'I've Got Sixpence!', August 1941 2006
Stephen Chaplin (b.1934)
Oil on canvas laid on panel
H 30.5 x W 25.4 cm
Bromley Historic Collections

© the artist. Image credit: Bromley Historic Collections
Peaceful afternoon

Gazing at my garden, lost in my memories, the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
The Garden Window
Thérèse Lessore (1884–1945)
Oil on canvas
H 49 x W 60 cm
Islington Local History Centre and Museum

Image credit: Islington Local History Centre and Museum
What does the future hold?

My baby doesn't know what is going on. He is happy to spend his days at home with me. I worry what the future will be like for him.
Spring, the Morning Room
William Rothenstein (1872–1945)
Oil on canvas
H 97.3 x W 76.3 cm
Southampton City Art Gallery

Image credit: Bridgeman Images
Life goes on

I must get this piece right before our brass band Zoom meeting tonight.
Individual Exercise 1958
Colin William Dick (1929–2017)
Oil on board
H 50.8 x W 60.9 cm
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

© the artist's estate. Image credit: Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
I miss my family

I hope they haven't forgotten about me.
Henriette M. 1961
Marie-Louise von Motesiczky (1906–1996)
Oil on canvas
H 76 x W 81 cm
Manchester Art Gallery

© Marie-Louise von Motesiczky Charitable Trust. Image credit: Manchester Art Gallery
Frustration

I want to go out with my friends!
September Sunlight 1916
Dorothy Johnstone (1892–1980)
Oil on canvas
H 150 x W 106 cm
University of Edinburgh

© the artist's estate. Image credit: University of Edinburgh
Neighbourhood watch

They are too close together. Why can't some people obey the rules?
Portrait of a Lady in an Apron Looking out of the Window 1952
Georges van Houten (1888–1964)
Oil on canvas
H 91 x W 73 cm
Examination Schools, University of Oxford

© the copyright holder. Image credit: Examination Schools, University of Oxford
Sea view

I love this view. I enjoy it every day.
Bay Window
Emrys Williams (b.1958)
Oil on canvas
H 23 x W 45.5 cm
Newport Museum and Art Gallery

© the artist. Image credit: Newport Museum and Art Gallery
Loneliness

The streets are empty and so is my heart.
Lady in Green Looking through a Window 1956
Georges van Houten (1888–1964)
Oil on canvas
H 73 x W 60 cm
Examination Schools, University of Oxford

© the copyright holder. Image credit: Examination Schools, University of Oxford
A good book

It's wonderful having the time to escape in a book all day.
Woman at a Window c. 1913
Albert André (1869–1954)
Oil on canvas
H 60 x W 49 cm
Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

© the copyright holder. Image credit: Ashmolean Museum, Oxford
Boredom

There is nothing to do.
Untitled (Elderly Man by Window, Dens Works, Dundee) 1983
Alastair McDonald
Oil on canvas
H 123 x W 122 cm
University of Dundee, Duncan of Jordanstone College Collection

© the copyright holder. Image credit: University of Dundee, Duncan of Jordanstone College Collection
Lost in thought

When will this be over? Will life ever go back to how it was before? Do I want it to be like it was before?
Lady Astor Standing at a Window
Edith M. Leeson Everett (1881–1965)
Oil on canvas
H 117.2 x W 74.6 cm
The Box, Plymouth

© the copyright holder. Image credit: The Box, Plymouth