Ralph Hedley was a painter and woodcarver born in Newcastle to an artisan family. He trained at Elswick School of Art and was influenced by William Bell Scott's use of local subject matter. Hedley worked in the woodcarving industry, eventually opening his own workshop and creating artistic pieces for local churches and societies. He gained notoriety for his paintings, drawing on the Newlyn school and other social realists for his stylistic influences. His subjects included the gritty realism of dockworkers and miners as well as the charming naivety of children at play. Hedley was a successful exhibitor, committee member, and eventually president of the Bewick club, which ensured he had no shortage of wealthy patrons. His work was also adore...