Enamelware

 


Enamelware was a standard army issue during World War II, in the European and Pacific theaters, particularly for cooking and as eating utensils. 

The military used enamel-coated cookware, including pots, pans, mugs, and plates, because of its durability, lightweight nature, and ease of cleaning. 

The enamel coating helped prevent rusting and corrosion, essential in field conditions. It also provided a non-stick surface for cooking and was much more durable than other materials available at the time. 

Soldiers used these items as part of their mess kits, essential for preparing and eating meals during the war. 

After the war, many of these enamelware pieces became collectable items due to their association with military history.

9"x12" loose watercolour on 300g cotton paper

Comments

Anonymous said…
Until recent years we still had an enamel ware basin, white with a dark blue rim, dating back to the war years...
March 29, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Kieran said…
Yes, they don’t make ‘em like that anymore
March 29, 2025 at 6:49 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blue Bird

Image
My homage to Azulejos - the striking white and blue ceramic tiles of Portugal.  The name 'azulejos' is derived from the Arabic word 'al zuleique', which means “little polished stone”. The tiles were originally brought to Europe by invading Moors in the 13th century - a style that employs flowing lines, stars, flowers, foliage, fruits and sometimes animal and figural outlines to produce an intricate pattern of interlaced lines that can be tiled in endless combinations.   The art and history of azulejos have left an indelible mark on Portuguese culture and heritage. These vibrant and intricate tiles have adorned buildings, churches, and public spaces for centuries, captivating the eyes and hearts of locals and visitors alike.  The enduring legacy of Portuguese tile-making is a testament to the skill, creativity, and craftsmanship of the artisans who have dedicated themselves to this art form throughout history. This is one of my compositions inspired by a window decal at...
Read more

Pope Leo

Image
  Pope Leo XIV On Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Conclave of 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals elected a new Pope for 1.4 billion faithful, the  267th in the line of Pontiffs that dates back to St Peter, who was handpicked by Jesus Christ himself. [ Matthew 16:18 ] Before he was elected Pope Leo XIV, Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Frost Prevost spent  much of his life outside the United States. Ordained in Rome in 1982 at age 27, he received a doctorate in canon law at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, also in Rome.  For the past two decades he was a missionary in Chilayco, Peru, serving as a parish priest, seminary teacher, and diocesan official.  Here he also became a naturalized citizen, then rose to lead his international religious community, the Order of St. Augustine. Under Pope Francis, he held one of the most influential Vatican posts, running the office that selects and manages bishops globally. His deep connection to Latin America helped him gain a...
Read more

Sparrow

Image
  The common house sparrow ( Passer domesticus ) is a small, adaptable bird that has lived alongside humans for thousands of years. Despite its historical abundance in our childhood, house sparrow populations have since significantly declined.  Possible reasons for the decline in sparrow population include: Predation and Competition : Increased numbers of predators like house cats and competition from other bird species, such as pigeons and starlings, have put significant pressure on sparrow populations. Changes in Human Diet:  A shift to packaged and processed foods means fewer suitable food scraps, such as grains for sparrows in urban areas. Loss of Nesting Sites:  Modern concrete homes, unlike older structures, lack wooden eaves for sparrows to nest in. Decline in Insects:  Young sparrows rely on insects for protein, but loss of green spaces and increased pesticide use have reduced their food supply. Here’s what you can do to rehabilitate sparrows Install ne...
Read more