Illustration of A.H. Mackmurdo and a workman

This sketch by Elinor Pugh is a characterful observation of the comings and goings of the various contractors working on her uncle, Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo's architectural projects. On the right, Mackmurdo's distinctive nose and beard are just visible under the brim of a sun hat as he reclines in a deck chair. There are a number of these candid illustrations in the William Morris Gallery's collections, suggesting Elinor often carried a sketchbook with her, recording her observations of the different characters she encountered.