Lot 170: Sociology

Barbara Jones (1912-1978) Sociology signed and dated 'Barbara Jones 1961' (lower right) mixed media on gessoed board 168 3/4 x 120 1/4 in. (428.6 x 305.4 cm.) this lot consists of two separate boards

428.6 x 305.4 cm.

Turin International Exhibition, 1961.

‘Sociology’ depicts the structures present in society through groups of men. The almost robotic face is filled with everyday scenes each depicting the various areas of a working society. The forehead depicts the building of a city and a village by men, organized into agricultural and war groups, the eyes then contrast the image above by allowing us to see industry with entertainment. The cheeks depict sport, an exercise for the body on the left, and a jury, an exercise for the mind and justice on the right. The jury is surrounded by groups representing trade, transport and medicine. On the nose birth, marriage, death and worship are represented, and upon the lips a tiger and crocodile are fighting, symbolizing the threat and sometimes reality of a breakdown in these societal structures. Education is then shown to the left of the upper lip. The chin depicts a table of factory workers engaged in discussion. Various other images are shown on the neck, including a gathering of musicians and miners, providing glimpses into the variety of groupings that society offers. Barbara Jones studied mural decoration at the Royal College of Art, besides this she was a writer, illustrator and designer. She was a member of the Royal Society of Mural Painters and designed murals for notable buildings such as the Cheshire County Police Headquarters and the Commonwealth Institute in London, as well as for schools, passenger liner ships, hotels, restaurants and exhibitions. Jones was also involved with the Festival of Britain in 1951.