Egton Fair – by John Atkinson
This lovely painting shows a moment in time captured at the Egton Fair in the North York Moors. Like many of the villages in this National Park, Egton has its own unique character, shown here through the large green and quaint rows of houses. Though this painting dates from 1912-13, this agricultural show still takes place each summer and is one of a number of such events that attracts tourists to the area today.
The painting was created by artist John Atkinson II, a member of the ‘Staithes Group’ of artists who lived and stayed in and around the village of Staithes on the North Yorkshire coast. Atkinson had grown up in Newcastle before living in North Yorkshire for the majority of his life.
The Staithes Group painted a variety of subjects including scenery and everyday life, influenced by Impressionism.
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
The Influence of Impressionism
This Impressionist movement, which began in France, has led to the Staithes Group to be sometimes classed as ‘British Impressionists’. Some of the main characteristics of their work include close attention to light; realistic subject matter and settings; and the desire to portray a specific moment in time.
You can also see the characteristic short, visible brushstrokes in this closeup of the horse’s legs. Can you see the thick pain for the grass? And the shadowy details underneath the horse?
This painting is in oil on canvas and measures 99cm (height) x 150cm (width). The inclusion of animals reflects the artist’s own interest in them as subject matter.
Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Talking Points
What season do you think it is in the painting?
What parts of this painting are clear and detailed? Which parts are more blurry? Why do you think that is?
What do you think the two men standing by the white horse are talking about?
Look at the close up of the horse’s saddle. Does it look how you expected it to look?
If you could talk to John Atkinson, what would you ask him about this painting?
Do you think that agricultural fairs still look like this? What would be the same? What would be different?
How do you think fairs like this support tourism in the National Park? What risks do you think they pose to the environment of the National Park?
In the Classroom
Activity
Explore the subject matter in more detail.
Role Play
Try out a short drama activity – pair up and pretend that you are the two men standing by the horse. Discuss how the agricultural fair is going, why you enjoy it, or why you don’t.
Hotseat
Try interviewing a student in role as the artist about why he painted this scene. What might he say?
Compare
Compare Egton today with the view of the village show in the painting. You can explore the key features of the village in a short video on the North York Moors National Park website. Why does this village continue to attract visitors? How has it changed?
Hands on History
You can visit an entire room dedicated to the Staithes Group at Pannett Art Gallery. Find other images on the Art Gallery’s website.
Museum Location
Associated Objects
