Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Gilbert Daykin died in 1939; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2009.
In context
Wedging Down Coal — Gilbert Daykin
The original measures 60 × 50 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 53 at death.
Painted when the artist was 52. The artist lived to 53. 4 of the 8 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Gilbert Daykin (1886–1939) ▲ this work, 1938 every dated painting, decade by decade
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: topimpressionists.com/en/art/similar/gilbert-daykin-wedging-down-coal-AR2BD2-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Black #151210
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
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.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 8 works by this artist, of which 2 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 and museum
Gilbert Daykin (1886-1939) remains a profoundly evocative figure in British art, primarily remembered for his unflinching depictions of the lives and labor of Welsh coal miners. His work transcends mere documentation; it’s a poignant exploration of hardship, resilience, and the brutal realities faced by those who toiled beneath the earth. Born in Platts Common, Hoyland Nether, near Barnsley, Daykin's early life was inextricably linked to the mining industry – he spent two weeks studying masterpieces in London after working as a miner himself. This intimate connection profoundly shaped his artistic vision, imbuing his paintings with an unparalleled sense of authenticity and emotional depth.
Daykin’s formative years were steeped in the rhythms of mining life. He witnessed firsthand the physical demands, the inherent dangers, and the social conditions endured by Welsh miners. This experience wasn't simply a backdrop to his art; it became its very foundation. Following a period working as an artist’s assistant in London, he returned to Yorkshire and began seriously pursuing painting. Influenced by the Realist movement, particularly artists like Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet, Daykin sought to capture the dignity and suffering of his subjects with uncompromising honesty. His early works often depicted rural scenes and portraits, but it was his engagement with the mining community that truly ignited his artistic passion.
Daykin’s most celebrated work revolves around his portrayals of Welsh coal miners. He didn't shy away from depicting the grim realities of their existence – the cramped, dangerous conditions, the physical strain, and the ever-present threat of accidents. “Loading a Mine Tub from a Stall” (1935) is perhaps the most arresting example of this unflinching realism. The painting captures a miner hauling a heavy tub of coal, his face etched with exhaustion and determination, while the claustrophobic mine setting emphasizes the oppressive nature of his labor. Similarly, "Markham’s Ponies" (1928), showcases miners working in a dark, confined space, highlighting their vulnerability and dependence on their supervisors. These paintings aren't romanticized; they are stark, honest representations of a difficult life.
Beyond these iconic pieces, Daykin produced a significant body of work that offers a nuanced portrait of the Welsh mining community. “The Tub at the End of the Coalface” (1938), tragically depicts a miner overcome by choke damp – a deadly accumulation of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in the mine atmosphere. This painting serves as a powerful reminder of the constant dangers faced by miners, and Daykin’s meticulous attention to detail—the slumped figure, the flickering lamps—conveys both the immediate horror and the long-term consequences of this hazard. His style is characterized by a strong sense of realism, employing dramatic lighting and carefully observed details to create a palpable atmosphere of hardship and resilience. He was particularly adept at capturing the textures of clothing, tools, and the rough-hewn environment of the mines.
Tragically, Gilbert Daykin’s life ended prematurely in 1939 when he lost his life in a mine shaft accident at Warsop Main Colliery. Eleven of his paintings were gifted to the Science Museum by his family in 1978, ensuring that his powerful depictions of Welsh miners would be preserved and shared with future generations. His work continues to resonate today, offering a poignant glimpse into a forgotten chapter of British history – the lives of those who fueled the nation’s industrial engine. Daykin's legacy lies not only in his artistic skill but also in his unwavering commitment to portraying the dignity and humanity of the Welsh coal miners, ensuring their stories are never truly silenced.
topimpressionists.com/en/art/download/gilbert-daykin-wedging-down-coal-AR2BD2-en/
Look closely
Wedging Down Coal — Gilbert Daykin
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"Wedging Down Coal" was created by Gilbert Daykin. The information on this page describes Gilbert Daykin's original work.
To preview a reproduction of "Wedging Down Coal" by Gilbert Daykin, open the artwork's Preview page.
Statistics about "Wedging Down Coal" by Gilbert Daykin are on the artwork's Stats page: monthly visits of the artwork, visits of the artist's works, and country and language breakdowns of recent visitors.