The Boar Hunt, c.1879 (wood)

Gerrard Robinson (1834-1891) was the most outstanding woodcarver in Northumbria during the 19th century, with an international reputation. This impressive carving shows King Alfred (849-899) hunting wild boar in a forest. It is an 'overmantle', designed to hang over a fireplace. In the Victorian period, the story of King Alfred and his fight against Viking invaders became extremely popular. The son of a blacksmith, Gerrard Robinson showed a talent for drawing from an early age and studied at the Newcastle School of Design under William Bell Scott. His passion for woodcarving grew during his apprenticeship with Thomas Tweedy, a Newcastle carver and gilder. Robinson spent seven years as foreman of Tweedy’s workshop, before setting up his own business in London. In London, Robinson’s carvings became very fashionable and famous. He returned to Newcastle in 1866, and was commissioned by William Wailes to produce a large amount of carved work for Saltwell Towers, Gateshead. In 1867 he was made a Freeman of the City, in recognition of his talent. However, woodcarving was becoming less fashionable, and his business eventually collapsed. Left in poverty, Robinson mainly worked at teaching and book illustration until his death in 1891.