[yorkie]

The Derby Day 1893-4

William Powell Frith 1819-1909

Oil on canvas

Derby Day was an established day out by the 1850s. The crowds of thousands came from all social classes for the colourful entertainments as much as the race.

Frith’s first visit to Epsom Downs was in 1856, when he was taken in by a thimble-rigging gang. A team of these con-men can be seen on the left.

The Victorians were fascinated by phrenology, the reflection of social types in facial characteristics. This partly accounts for the success of The Derby Day and other crowd scenes by Frith and his followers.

This version replicates a Royal Academy exhibit of 1858. It was commissioned by James Gresham of Stretford and was thought by Frith to be better than his original.

[yorkie]

Oops! I did it again. I wanted to share the painting in post #150 with everybody - and forgot to put your names in. I think that it is a contagious affliction - so be careful, everybody!

Famous Birthdays

The Birthday link above is pretty interesting - each day it names a few famous people who were born on this day, and tells you how old they would be (or are) today. If you run your mouse over their name, a little window will come up with their picture and tell you what they were famous for, and if they have passed on, the date of death. (Plus a lot more if you are interested.)

Example: Bing Crosby would be 105 today!

[OESY]

Kudos for finding this Frith painting commemorating Derby Day! A slice of humanity.

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[JustAmy]

Wonderful painting, Yorkie.

Thank you for finding it and sharing it with us.

Sorry about the lateness of my reply.

Hope your week ahead is special.