The Blaydon Races - A Study from Life, 1903 (oil on canvas)

The annual Blaydon Races and Fair was a major event on Tyneside in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The attractions shown in this picture include a large open carriage pulled by a team of white horses, men demonstrating acrobatics or boxing, and a sweet stall. The picture was painted by the Newcastle artist William Irving, who included many local characters in it. Towards the front of the picture, 'Gull Willie of Newburn' is being tricked by the card cheat, the 'Swalwell Cat'. The picture is modelled on 19th century panoramic views of crowds of people;