Student Artwork Guide

4 parts 1 The artwork2 In context3 Artist and museum4 Look closely

Name Class Date

james peel, The Tinker (1842), Darlington Library. Public domain.

The facts

Artist: james peel originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/james-peel/
Artist’s dates: 1811 – 1906
Painted: 1842
Original size: 35 x 31 cm
Held at: Darlington Library originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/darlington-library-darlington/

Copyright This work is in the public domain. james peel died in 1906; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1976.

The Tinker — james peel

How big is it?

The original measures 35 × 31 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

1810
1820
1830
1840
1850
1860
1870
1880
1890
1900

Shaded: the lifetime of james peel (1811–1906) ▲ this work, 1842

Compare with

Moel Siabod, North Wales, 1870 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/james-peel-moel-siabod-north-wales-AQTS2S-en/
James McAllister Hall ( ) originaluniqueart.com/en/art/james-peel-james-mcallister-hall-AQTS3U-en/
Mill near Sheppard, Devon, 1865 originaluniqueart.com/en/art/james-peel-mill-near-sheppard-devon-AQTS3C-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/james-peel-the-tinker-AQTS34-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

Main colour

Quinacridone Magenta #7a5c48

Catalogued palette

#7A5C48
#A17E63
#523E38
#C4AE9D

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

The Tinker — james peel

Artist

james peel

James Peel: A Painter of Northern Light

Born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1811, James Peel’s life and artistic journey were inextricably linked to the rugged beauty of northern England – specifically, Northumberland, Yorkshire, and Wales. His early years, steeped in the industrial heritage of his father's woollen drapery business, provided a grounding in observation and an appreciation for the changing landscapes around him. Unlike many artists of his era who sought grand, idealized vistas, Peel’s work possessed a remarkable intimacy, capturing not just the scenery but also the subtle textures, atmospheric conditions, and quiet rhythms of rural life. His artistic development was nurtured by Alexander Dalziel, a skilled wood engraver, who recognized Peel's innate talent for drawing and encouraged his pursuit of painting.

Peel’s formal training began at Bruce’s School in Newcastle, where he honed his skills alongside notable figures like Sir Charles Mark Palmer and John Collingwood Bruce. However, it was a move to London in 1840 that truly propelled his career forward. Initially drawn to portraiture – producing striking copies of works by Wilkie Collins, including ‘Blind Fiddler’ and ‘The Village Festival,’ both housed within the National Gallery – Peel soon gravitated towards landscape painting.

Museum

Darlington Library

On show in Darlington, United Kingdom

A Tapestry of Industry and Art: Unveiling Darlington Library

Nestled within the heart of County Durham, Darlington Library stands as a remarkably singular institution – a vibrant confluence of public library services, an engaging art gallery, and a meticulously curated local studies center. More than simply a repository for books, it’s a living testament to Darlington's rich industrial heritage and its enduring commitment to cultural preservation. The building itself, a Grade II listed Victorian structure, whispers tales of the town’s pivotal role in the rise of railways, while within its walls, an impressive collection of art, historical documents, and local treasures awaits discovery. The library’s unique integration of these elements creates a dynamic space where visitors can trace the evolution of a community, appreciate artistic expression across generations, and connect with their local roots.

At the heart of Darlington Library lies its remarkable focus on railway history – a legacy inextricably linked to the town's identity. The ‘Whistle Stop’ exhibition is a must-see, offering a captivating journey through the lives and innovations that shaped this vital industry.

Where to read more

The artist james peel originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/james-peel/
The museum Darlington Library originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/darlington-library-darlington/
Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/james-peel-the-tinker-AQTS34-en/

Find this online

QR code linking to the download page for The Tinker

originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/james-peel-the-tinker-AQTS34-en/

Cite this artwork

MLA: peel, james. The Tinker. 1842, Darlington Library. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/james-peel-the-tinker-AQTS34-en/
APA: peel, james (1842). The Tinker [Painting]. Darlington Library. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/james-peel-the-tinker-AQTS34-en/
Chicago: james peel. The Tinker. 1842. Darlington Library. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/james-peel-the-tinker-AQTS34-en/
Harvard: peel, james (1842) The Tinker. Darlington Library. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/james-peel-the-tinker-AQTS34-en/

The Tinker — james peel

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 Moel Siabod, North Wales (1870), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
james peel was about 31 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

Your response

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