This fairly traditional still life, painted in 1911 by William Nicholson, father of the British avant-garde abstract artist Ben Nicholson who was training at the Slade with the likes of Paul Nash, Stanley Spencer, Mark Gertler and Edward Wadsworth, whilst the elder painted a picture that owes debt to both 17th century Dutch and French 19th artists. Originally an innovative graphic artist Nicholson was encouraged by James McNeill Whistler who was President of the International Society to paint in oils and exhibit there. He also exhibited at the Goupil Gallery, London where The Lowestoft Bowl was purchased by the new Contemporary Art Society and, after being exhibited in Manchester and London, presented to the Tate in 1917.