Richard Toovey Re: Etching "Shelling Peas"

A very interesting etching of a continental street market- probably French, as the artist did a number of French scenes. The woman at the centre is shelling peas - the husks of which can be seen all over the ground. She also has onions and other baskets full of produce. Someone behind her appears to have bread on their stall and there are fabrics on display in the background, as well as a number of shops in the distance. Signed by the artist on the margin and on the board the print is laid on, as well as in the plate. Dated 1888. Richard Gibbs Henry Toovey RE (1861-1927) studied at Birmingham and Academie Julian, Paris. He was made a member of the Royal Society of Painters and Etchers (RE) in 1885. He taught in Leamington Spa and also painted scenery at Theatre Royal. He exhibited at the Royal Academy for six consecutive years in 1880s and at the Paris salon. Failing eyesight brought his career to a close in 1889.