These men are sailmakers. They are sewing bolt ropes to the edges of sails, to take the strain at fixing points. Hedley has focused on showing working men in their actual workplace. He was also interested in recording the effects of light, including the bold patterns on the face of the man nearest the viewer. Both themes were fashionable in art of the time. Hedley painted the picture using a softer, more atmospheric approach than his earlier style.

Provenance: Given by Miss Wilson, 1940

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Ralph Hedley (1848-1913)
Date: 1908

Image Details
Date: 15 April 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/30s
ISO: 640
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.