Sickert is well known for his urban and domestic interiors, especially of theatres in Camden Town, London. The modern life subjects of the French impressionist, Edgar Degas influenced him. Sickert had first hand knowledge of French painting and became very influential in artistic circles in London. He was the focal point for the formation of many important groups and associations including the Fitzroy Group, the Camden Town Group and the London Group.
‘Ethel Sands descending the staircase at Newington’ was probably painted around the time of the First World War.
Sands was also a painter and had associations with the Camden town group. She met Sickert in 1905 and was first invited to join his newly formed Fitzroy Street Group. Much of her entertaining was done at the Manor House, Newington in Oxfordshire, which she owned until 1920.
