H26 Pool Table Beryl Cook

The painting presents a scene within what appears to be a billiards hall or similar establishment. Four figures dominate the composition; three women and one man are positioned around a pool table. The arrangement suggests a casual, perhaps even playful, interaction between them.
Here we see two women on the left side of the frame poised with cues, their stances indicating they are about to take shots. One woman has auburn hair styled in waves, while the other possesses a sleek bob. Both wear dark stockings and high-heeled shoes, contributing to an air of stylized glamour. The woman closest to the viewer leans forward, her gaze directed towards the table, conveying focus and intent.
On the right side of the composition stands another woman with short, black hair, also holding a cue. Her posture is more relaxed than that of the other two women, suggesting a less active role in the game. The man, positioned between the auburn-haired woman and the woman with the bob, appears somewhat detached; his expression is neutral, almost impassive, as he holds his cue.
The pool table itself is rendered with meticulous detail, showcasing the arrangement of colored balls. A sign reading Ladies is visible on the wall behind one of the women, adding a layer of social commentary regarding gender roles and spaces. The lighting in the room seems artificial, casting shadows that enhance the depth and volume of the figures.
The color palette is predominantly warm, with browns, reds, and oranges creating an atmosphere of intimacy and perhaps even slight decadence. The artist’s style leans towards a simplified representation of form, emphasizing bold outlines and flattened planes. This approach contributes to a sense of theatricality, as if the scene were staged for observation.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of leisure, social interaction, and gender dynamics within a specific cultural context. The presence of the Ladies sign hints at a deliberate commentary on societal norms and expectations surrounding womens participation in traditionally male-dominated spaces. The man’s detached demeanor could be interpreted as an observation on power imbalances or a subtle critique of masculine behavior. Overall, the work evokes a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era while simultaneously prompting reflection on social conventions and human relationships.