The farm labourer has returned from work in the field, as indicated by the horse harness hung on the settle to the right. His wife is preparing a simple meal on a traditional girdle pan of either potato cakes or scones, while her husband rests from his labours with a newspaper and glass of home brewed beer. Heavy agricultural labour was generally the preserve of men while domestic duties and seasonal work was carried out by women. At this date almost all food and drink in the countryside was locally sourced and prepared at home.

Provenance: Laing Art Gallery collection

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: South Shields Museum & Art Gallery, Tyne & Wear
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Ralph Hedley (1848-1913)
Date: 1895

Image Details
Date: 9 September 2023
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Telephoto Camera 52mm ƒ/2.4
Focal Length: 52mm
Aperture: ƒ/2.4
Shutter Speed: 1/50s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a North East Museums asset. This image cannot be licensed.