Lot details
Ralph Hedley, RBA (1848-1913) ''THE SMITHY'' signed with initials and dated 1909 oil on canvas 34.5 x 44.5cms; 13 1/2 x 17 1/2in. NB During the later part of his career Hedley observed and recorded a variety of contemporary trades and craftsmen - cobblers, tailors, weavers, cheese makers, boat builders, mat proggers, bell ringers, etc. This composition is probably the proprietary oil sketch for the painting of the same name exhibited at the Bewick Club 26th Annual Exhibition in 1909 and at the Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle Loan Exhibition of Works by Ralph Hedley, R.B.A., October-December 1938. There is some evidence to suggest that this blacksmith's shop was located in Ponteland or it may be the interior of the Smithy at Hexham Bridge End which the Artist depicted as an exterior view in 1885. See illustration