Painted Table

The changing nature of work within the prison is a manifestation of penal reform, marking a shift from punishment to rehabilitation, a transition which began at the end of the 19th century. Colin Campbell, who became Comptroller General of Prisons in 1966 was a leading proponent of prison reform including the expansion of education programs and prisoners learning skills through expanded industries. By 1969/70 the prison’s annual report stated that 6 prison workshops were in operation, employing around 192 men across metalwork, carpentry, footwear, clothing, printing and concrete products.

The Carpenters Workshop was an integral part of the prison’s range of industries and one of the longest running; with convicts trained to work with wood essential to the Establishment’s construction. With the passage of time the type of objects the Carpentry Workshop produced changed with those in the late 20th century of a more personal nature. As an object built within the prison workshops and sold in the community, the table is of historical significance as it demonstrates the change from punishment to reform in the prison system through the establishment of prison workshops and industries. The object speaks to the value of prison industries as a form of connection between prisoners and the wider community, and a way of learning a new skill while giving back to the community.

Art was also an important component of the expansion of the Prison’s educational programming. The early 1980s saw the inclusion of art lessons which became immensely popular with more than 2,000 prisoners enrolled within the first five years. Artwork produced during this period such as this painted table is of historical and social significance as it provides an insight into the personal experience of prisoners and their lived experience of incarceration. Seven other examples of the artists work on tables exists in the collection, and this example is not rare, but a representative example in good condition that exemplifies artistic self expression and creativity in the prison context.

There are seven painted tables by the artist identified only as Wesley in the collection. It is likely the inmate was participating in the art and carpentry workshops during the time that the donor’s friend was working at Fremantle Prison. The composition of the painting is comparable to the paintings on the series of nested tables 2023.71.1-2a-b, similar colour schemes and the detail in the brush work indicates the artist is likely the same.