Student Artwork Guide — Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex

Name Class Date

Edwin Edwards, Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist: Edwin Edwards originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/edwin-edwards/
Artist’s dates: 1823 – 1879
Original size: 64 x 94 cm
Held at: Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/nottingham-castle-museum-and-art-gallery-nottingham/

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Edwin Edwards died in 1879; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1949.

Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex — Edwin Edwards

How big is it?

The original measures 64 × 94 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When might this have been painted?

1820
1830
1840
1850
1860
1870

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 56 at death.

Shaded: the lifetime of Edwin Edwards (1823–1879) every dated painting, decade by decade

This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?

Compare with

High Street, Whitechapel, 1869 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-high-street-whitechapel-AQSDG6-en/
Lands End, 1879 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-lands-end-AQSDG8-en/
Outside the Inn, 1871 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-outside-the-inn-D3WGAJ-en/

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/edwin-edwards-under-the-willows-sunbury-on-thames-middlesex-AQSDGL-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

Main colour

Espresso #605136

Catalogued palette

#605136
#3E3115
#4F4228
#886F4D

These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

Palette: Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
Main colour name: Espresso
Intensity: Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
Contrast: Serene How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
Harmony: Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
Brightness: Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
Saturation: Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

Where in the world is this painting looked at?

under 1%
1–3%
3–8%
8–20%
20% and over

This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Edwin Edwards over the last twelve months — 1 countries in all. Where these figures come from

The ten leading countries

1 China 100.0%

Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.

The 6 most looked-at works by Edwin Edwards

1 The Pool, London 33.3%
2 Towing Path, Sunbury on Thames, 1867 16.7%
3 Fishing by the River at Wilford Ferry, Nottingham, Barge in the Background 16.7%
4 Surlingham Ferry 16.7%
5 Raglan Castle 16.7%
— Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex this painting 0.0%

Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 18 works by this artist, of which 5 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month

Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.

Artist

Edwin Edwards

Museum

Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery

On show in Nottingham, United Kingdom

Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery

Nestled dramatically atop Castle Rock, overlooking the city of Nottingham, stands a monument that is as much a repository of history and legend as it is a vibrant art gallery. Nottingham Castle isn’t simply a building; it's a palimpsest, layered with centuries of stories – from its Norman origins as a formidable fortress to its evolution into a magnificent Ducal Palace, and finally, its transformation into a publicly accessible museum celebrating both artistic achievement and local heritage.

Originally constructed in 1068 by William the Conqueror as a wooden motte-and-bailey castle, it was later rebuilt in stone during the reign of Henry II, becoming a strategically vital stronghold. The 17th century saw the rise of the Ducal Palace under William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle, a lavish residence that reflected his power and status.

However, this opulent palace suffered a devastating fire in 1831 during civic unrest, only to be painstakingly reconstructed in the 1870s – a pivotal moment that gifted Nottingham with one of Britain’s first publicly-owned art museums outside of London. This commitment to accessibility remains at the heart of the Castle's identity.

A Tapestry of Artistic Treasures

Within its walls, Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery houses a diverse and compelling collection that spans from medieval masterpieces to contemporary works. The gallery is thoughtfully organized around thematic sections designed to spark contemplation and connection.

“Faces” invites intimate encounters with portraiture, while “Scenic Landscapes” transports viewers to idyllic vistas. “Myth, Power and Beauty” delves into the realm of classical narratives and allegorical representations, offering a glimpse into the artistic preoccupations of past eras.

But it is perhaps in its specialized collections that Nottingham Castle truly shines. The museum boasts an exceptional array of Netherlandish art, providing a fascinating window into 16th and 17th-century life.

Exploring the Collection Highlights

Visitors can immerse themselves in lively tavern scenes by Pieter Jacob Horemans and Egbert van Heemskerck the Elder, or observe the convivial gatherings depicted in ‘merry company’ paintings by Anthonie Palamedesz and attributed works by Pieter Codde. The stillness of Barend Van der Meer's still life paintings offers a moment of quiet contemplation.

Religious scenes like Jan Breughel’s “Rest on the Flight into Egypt” (with attribution to Master of the Antwerp Adoration) evoke spiritual devotion. Landscape enthusiasts will appreciate works by Jan Siberechts and Jan Wijnants, capturing the beauty of the English countryside with remarkable detail.

And for those drawn to classical themes, Adriaen van der Werff’s “Venus and Cupid” offers a vision of mythological grace.

Beyond Canvas and Stone: A Legacy of Lace & Legend

Nottingham Castle's unique character extends beyond its artistic holdings. The museum holds a special place in the history of Nottingham’s famed lace-making industry, an integral part of the city’s identity.

The initial inspiration for much of the art collection stemmed from designs within this intricate craft, highlighting the close relationship between artistry and industrial innovation. This connection is celebrated in the dedicated Nottingham Lace Gallery, showcasing the evolution of this delicate and complex textile tradition.

Of course, no discussion of Nottingham Castle would be complete without acknowledging its enduring association with Robin Hood. The legendary outlaw’s exploits are woven into the fabric of the city's folklore, and the castle serves as a powerful backdrop to many tales of his daring adventures.

Notable Exhibitions & Architectural Significance

Recent exhibitions have explored themes of identity and resilience, reflecting Nottingham’s rich cultural heritage. The Castle’s soaring stone walls and grand courtyards stand as testament to its architectural grandeur—a masterpiece of Stuart Restoration design that continues to inspire awe.

A Destination for Art Enthusiasts & Historians Alike

Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery is more than just a destination; it’s an experience – a journey through time, art, and legend. It's a place where history comes alive, creativity flourishes, and the spirit of Nottingham endures.

Additional Research

Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery: https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/

Nottingham: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottingham

Nottingham Castle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottingham_Castle

Nottingham Castle | Art UK: https://artuk.org/visit/venues/nottingham-castle-7902

Nottingham Goose Fair: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottingham_Goose_Fair

Where to read more

The artist Edwin Edwards originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/edwin-edwards/
The museum Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/nottingham-castle-museum-and-art-gallery-nottingham/
Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/edwin-edwards-under-the-willows-sunbury-on-thames-middlesex-AQSDGL-en/

Find this online

QR code linking to the download page for Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex

originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/edwin-edwards-under-the-willows-sunbury-on-thames-middlesex-AQSDGL-en/

Cite this artwork

MLA: Edwards, Edwin. Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex. n.d., Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-under-the-willows-sunbury-on-thames-middlesex-AQSDGL-en/
APA: Edwards, Edwin (n.d.). Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex [Painting]. Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-under-the-willows-sunbury-on-thames-middlesex-AQSDGL-en/
Chicago: Edwin Edwards. Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex. n.d. Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-under-the-willows-sunbury-on-thames-middlesex-AQSDGL-en/
Harvard: Edwards, Edwin (n.d.) Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex. Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-under-the-willows-sunbury-on-thames-middlesex-AQSDGL-en/

Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex — Edwin Edwards

Look closely

Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

What catches your eye first, and why?
Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
Look back at High Street, Whitechapel (1869), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
What might the artist have wanted you to feel?
If you could ask the artist one question about this work, what would it be?

Your response

Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

Questions & Answers

Is Edwin Edwards, creator of "Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex", known under other names?

Edwin Edwards appears under the alternate names William Oliver.

What color palette is used in "Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex" by Edwin Edwards?

The palette of "Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex" by Edwin Edwards is described as earthy. It is a compact description of the work's colors.

What is the dominant hue of "Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex" by Edwin Edwards?

The dominant hue of "Under the Willows, Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex" by Edwin Edwards is ochre to sepia. The hue is the underlying tone of the palette.