Decoration: Evening relates to a series of large ‘decorations’ dating from around 1910, which carry layers of symbolic, spiritual and philosophical meanings. They often refer to creation myths or an imagined mythical and idealised past that celebrates and sanctifies Nature, Creation, peaceful existence and the feminine principle of Life. The study of mural decoration was revived in the early twentieth century and Ethel Walker's decorations—large-scale symbolic and allegorical compositions—represent a dramatic change from her previous output of impressionist interiors and landscapes. The artist was learned the relevant techniques during her enrolment on a course of fresco and tempera painting at the Slade School of Fine Art in 1912/13. Decoration: Evening was conceived in a pair with a painting of the same size entitled Decoration: Morning (York Art Gallery). They were first exhibited at the New English Art Club in winter 1936. A pencil study for Decoration: Evening, signed and dated 1936, is also owned by York Art Gallery. Decoration: Morning depicts a nude carrying a pitcher on her head and three other female figures with a seascape and rising sun in the background. Writing in The Sunday Times in October 1936, Frank Rutter declared: ‘Her two greatest decorative panels Morning and Evening, are not only the largest exhibits, but leave an indelible impression on the memory by reason of the strange exotic beauty of their conception, colour and composition. In any other country the genius of this painter would have received a commission from the State.’