Afternoon Tea Dance is a joyful and gently comedic limited edition artwork by celebrated British illustrator Sam Toft, whose unmistakable style and heart-filled storytelling have made her one of the UK's most cherished contemporary artists. Known for her tender depictions of Ernest Hemingway Mustard, his wife Violet, and their loyal dog Doris, Toft has spent decades crafting a world that hums with warmth, whimsy, and the simple pleasures of daily life. Her unique "wonky donkey" technique-layering and scraping oil pastel to reveal beautifully textured surfaces-brings each scene alive with movement, softness, and emotional resonance.
In this uplifting piece, Toft invites viewers into a moment of pure delight as Mr Mustard and his ever-faithful gang of furry companions dance together in a lively circle, celebrating one of Britain's most beloved rituals: afternoon tea. The scene captures Toft's deep affection for friendship, community, and the quiet joy found in shared experiences. Each character moves with a spirited rhythm, their playful steps echoing the informal charm and spontaneity that define Toft's narrative universe.
The composition is filled with the gentle humour that fans of Toft have come to adore. Mr Mustard leads the dance with characteristic grace and modesty, while around him his four-legged friends prance, hop, and twirl in harmonious motion. Each holds a small token of teatime tradition-teapots, cups, cakes, and other comforting essentials-creating a visual rhythm that mirrors the cadence of the dance itself. Every object feels lovingly chosen, adding a layer of whimsy without overwhelming the tender simplicity so central to Toft's work.
The colour palette leans toward warm, soft neutrals and calming pastel tones, giving the scene a nostalgic glow. These hues, combined with Toft's textural oil pastel technique, imbue the illustration with a sense of gentle movement-almost as if the group could shuffle one step further around their circle at any moment. The background remains understated, intentionally allowing the characters and their shared merriment to take centre stage. This minimalism is a hallmark of Toft's visual storytelling: she leaves space for viewers to project their own memories and emotions into the narrative.
As with all of Toft's limited edition works, Afternoon Tea Dance is presented as a giclée print on paper, faithfully capturing the delicate textures, layered pigments, and expressive marks of her original pastel artwork. The print is mounted and framed in a cream moulded wooden frame, a soft, neutral finish that complements Toft's palette while giving the artwork a classic presence on the wall. The finished piece feels timeless-both contemporary in its simplicity and nostalgic in its sentiment.
Measuring 34.5 x 30 cm (image size) and 59 x 52 cm when framed, this artwork has a balanced and inviting scale, making it equally suited to cosy home settings and larger curated displays. As a limited edition of 150, each print is individually hand-signed and numbered by the artist and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, ensuring its status as a collectible investment for long-term admirers and new collectors alike.
Brimming with warmth, humour, and a celebration of togetherness, Afternoon Tea Dance is quintessential Sam Toft: a story distilled into a single scene, reminding us of the beauty found in small rituals, shared joy, and simple companionship.
Edition Size: 150 Copies
Medium: Giclée Print on Paper
Image Size: 34.5 x 30 cm
Framed Size: 59 x 52 cm
Frame: Mounted and framed in a cream moulded wooden frame
Includes: Certificate of Authenticity
Looking for more by Sam Toft? We are delighted to offer a curated range of her limited edition prints and original works. Please contact us if you would like assistance selecting the perfect piece for your collection.
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