The servants were the engine that ensured the smooth running of the Edwardian household.

‘James’ and ‘John’ the footmen, were chosen according to specific criteria as they had a dual role to fill. Their tasks were varied but remained within the more feminine spheres: helping with the bathing and dressing of the male employers, flower arranging, napkin folding, table laying. They were not employed for the heavier, more manual duties but were chosen for their ‘eye candy’ appeal, and would earn a wage commensurate with their height and looks.

‘James’ and ‘John’ were employed in pairs, were of uniform height and, regardless of their birth names, would be renamed. This standardisation of names enabled the employers to address the servants, when necessary, without the bother of remembering distinguishing details, or any potential change of individual.

This seemingly ‘minor’ detail inspired me to create these two, larger than life presences. I wanted them to be anonymous, hence the use of the silhouette, and almost discrete in the sketched embroidery technique used. On a second look however the pair reveal a more secret, intimate character. James and John shared a love, and this love was celebrated through a divided yet common tattoo, one not complete without the other.

The colours in the piece have been chosen with care and reference to the Edwardian palette and as the dining room of the Edwardian household was a masculine environment, I wanted to bring in the feminine presence. In theory, James and John would have been employed for the women to look at.