Hilton was one of the most original abstract painters working in Europe or America during the 1950s. The present work was painted circa 1953-1959. In 1953 Hilton's painting changed dramatically. Following a visit to Amsterdam and the Hague his ideas regarding space, form and colour were revolutionised. He ceased to regard the painting surface as if it was a window. Instead the forms are built up on it, emphasising its flatness. He also greatly simplified his use of shape and colour, restricting himself, as in this painting, to lines and squares in primary colours and black and white.