Eccles Wakes

Joseph Parry 1744 - 1826

Summary

Busy village square in Eccles, full of people milling about. Large wood-beamed house in the background to left, in front of which is a small market stall, partly obscured by an old tree in the far left foreground. Groups of figures in the foreground include, from left to right, a man and boy with a spaniel on a lead, four small children begging, an elderly couple walking arm in arm, an old woman seated on the ground with baskets of goods for sale, and in the background a man on a horse loaded with heavy packs, a gentleman on horseback leaning down to converse with two women, and a group of women gathered round a wheelbarrow, looking at its contents. In the background to right, a drama is being enacted on a small stage hung with banners. Trees in the distance.

Display Label

Eccles Wakes date unknown Joseph Parry 1756-1826 Oil on panel Parry has alternated groups of young and old characters across the foreground to create charming contrasts. He has also ensured that we can distinguish social class and personality: compare the genteel ladies in white to the stout woman and her companion near the horse’s hindquarters in the centre of the picture. The tone of the gathering is earthy but good humoured. Sellers of Eccles cakes, pedlars, musicians, and all kinds of showmen and clowns came to the annual fair, and people travelled from miles around to enjoy the fun. Purchased 1927.11