Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall

Edwin Edwards

Name Class Date
Edwin Edwards, Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall, Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. Public domain. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Edwin Edwards wahooart.com/en/artists/edwin-edwards/
Artist’s dates
1823 – 1879
Original size
122 x 183 cm
Movement
Romantic Landscape Painting Art that puts feeling, wildness and the power of nature above calm order and rules.
Held at
Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery wahooart.com/en/museums/nottingham-castle-museum-and-art-gallery-nottingham/

Copyright This work is in the public domain. Edwin Edwards died in 1879; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1949.

Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall — Edwin Edwards Part 1 · The artwork

In context

Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall — Edwin Edwards

How big is it?

The original measures 122 × 183 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When might this have been painted?

  1. 1820
  2. 1830
  3. 1840
  4. 1850
  5. 1860
  6. 1870

Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 56 at death.

Shaded: the lifetime of Edwin Edwards (1823–1879) every dated painting, decade by decade

This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?

Compare with

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: wahooart.com/en/art/similar/edwin-edwards-boscastle-harbour-cornwall-AQSDGS-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Driftwood #ad9462

    Catalogued palette

    • #AD9462
    • #7B653A
    • #4E4326
    • #D9C494

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Earthy The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Driftwood
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Unified Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Balanced Soft How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Where in the world is this painting looked at?

    • under 1%
    • 1–3%
    • 3–8%
    • 8–20%
    • 20% and over
    This painting alone has too few recorded visitors to map, so the plate reads every work by Edwin Edwards over the last twelve months — 1 countries in all. Where these figures come from

    The ten leading countries

    1. 1 China 100.0%

    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.

    The 6 most looked-at works by Edwin Edwards

    1. 1 The Pool, London 33.3%
    2. 2 Towing Path, Sunbury on Thames, 1867 16.7%
    3. 3 Fishing by the River at Wilford Ferry, Nottingham, Barge in the Background 16.7%
    4. 4 Surlingham Ferry 16.7%
    5. 5 Raglan Castle 16.7%
    6. — Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall this painting 0.0%

    Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 18 works by this artist, of which 5 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.

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

    Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall — Edwin Edwards Part 2 · In context

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Edwin Edwards

    Museum

    Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery

    On show in Nottingham, United Kingdom

    Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery

    Nestled dramatically atop Castle Rock, overlooking the city of Nottingham, stands a monument that is as much a repository of history and legend as it is a vibrant art gallery. Nottingham Castle isn’t simply a building; it's a palimpsest, layered with centuries of stories – from its Norman origins as a formidable fortress to its evolution into a magnificent Ducal Palace, and finally, its transformation into a publicly accessible museum celebrating both artistic achievement and local heritage.

    Originally constructed in 1068 by William the Conqueror as a wooden motte-and-bailey castle, it was later rebuilt in stone during the reign of Henry II, becoming a strategically vital stronghold. The 17th century saw the rise of the Ducal Palace under William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle, a lavish residence that reflected his power and status.

    However, this opulent palace suffered a devastating fire in 1831 during civic unrest, only to be painstakingly reconstructed in the 1870s – a pivotal moment that gifted Nottingham with one of Britain’s first publicly-owned art museums outside of London. This commitment to accessibility remains at the heart of the Castle's identity.

    A Tapestry of Artistic Treasures

    Within its walls, Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery houses a diverse and compelling collection that spans from medieval masterpieces to contemporary works. The gallery is thoughtfully organized around thematic sections designed to spark contemplation and connection.

    “Faces” invites intimate encounters with portraiture, while “Scenic Landscapes” transports viewers to idyllic vistas. “Myth, Power and Beauty” delves into the realm of classical narratives and allegorical representations, offering a glimpse into the artistic preoccupations of past eras.

    But it is perhaps in its specialized collections that Nottingham Castle truly shines. The museum boasts an exceptional array of Netherlandish art, providing a fascinating window into 16th and 17th-century life.

    Exploring the Collection Highlights

    Visitors can immerse themselves in lively tavern scenes by Pieter Jacob Horemans and Egbert van Heemskerck the Elder, or observe the convivial gatherings depicted in ‘merry company’ paintings by Anthonie Palamedesz and attributed works by Pieter Codde. The stillness of Barend Van der Meer's still life paintings offers a moment of quiet contemplation.

    Religious scenes like Jan Breughel’s “Rest on the Flight into Egypt” (with attribution to Master of the Antwerp Adoration) evoke spiritual devotion. Landscape enthusiasts will appreciate works by Jan Siberechts and Jan Wijnants, capturing the beauty of the English countryside with remarkable detail.

    And for those drawn to classical themes, Adriaen van der Werff’s “Venus and Cupid” offers a vision of mythological grace.

    Beyond Canvas and Stone: A Legacy of Lace & Legend

    Nottingham Castle's unique character extends beyond its artistic holdings. The museum holds a special place in the history of Nottingham’s famed lace-making industry, an integral part of the city’s identity.

    The initial inspiration for much of the art collection stemmed from designs within this intricate craft, highlighting the close relationship between artistry and industrial innovation. This connection is celebrated in the dedicated Nottingham Lace Gallery, showcasing the evolution of this delicate and complex textile tradition.

    Of course, no discussion of Nottingham Castle would be complete without acknowledging its enduring association with Robin Hood. The legendary outlaw’s exploits are woven into the fabric of the city's folklore, and the castle serves as a powerful backdrop to many tales of his daring adventures.

    Notable Exhibitions & Architectural Significance

    Recent exhibitions have explored themes of identity and resilience, reflecting Nottingham’s rich cultural heritage. The Castle’s soaring stone walls and grand courtyards stand as testament to its architectural grandeur—a masterpiece of Stuart Restoration design that continues to inspire awe.

    A Destination for Art Enthusiasts & Historians Alike

    Nottingham Castle Museum & Art Gallery is more than just a destination; it’s an experience – a journey through time, art, and legend. It's a place where history comes alive, creativity flourishes, and the spirit of Nottingham endures.

    Additional Research

    Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery: https://www.nottinghamcastle.org.uk/

    Nottingham: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottingham

    Nottingham Castle: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottingham_Castle

    Nottingham Castle | Art UK: https://artuk.org/visit/venues/nottingham-castle-7902

    Nottingham Goose Fair: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottingham_Goose_Fair

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall

    wahooart.com/en/art/download/edwin-edwards-boscastle-harbour-cornwall-AQSDGS-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Edwards, Edwin. Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall. n.d., Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. https://wahooart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-boscastle-harbour-cornwall-AQSDGS-en/
    APA
    Edwards, Edwin (n.d.). Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall [Painting]. Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. https://wahooart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-boscastle-harbour-cornwall-AQSDGS-en/
    Chicago
    Edwin Edwards. Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall. n.d. Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. https://wahooart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-boscastle-harbour-cornwall-AQSDGS-en/
    Harvard
    Edwards, Edwin (n.d.) Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall. Nottingham Castle Museum And Art Gallery. Available at: https://wahooart.com/en/art/edwin-edwards-boscastle-harbour-cornwall-AQSDGS-en/

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

    Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall — Edwin Edwards Part 3 · Artist and museum

    Look closely

    Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall — Edwin Edwards

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Our catalogue files this work under: coastal landscape, cornwall, dramatic coastline. Do you agree? What would you add, or take away?
    4. Look back at High Street, Whitechapel (1869), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    5. Romantic Landscape Painting: Art that puts feeling, wildness and the power of nature above calm order and rules. Where can you see that in this work?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Source: WahooArt.com — accessed Oct. 3, 2026

    Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall — Edwin Edwards Part 4 · Look closely

    Questions & Answers

    What color leads the composition of "Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall" by Edwin Edwards?

    driftwood (#ad9462) is the leading color of "Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall" by Edwin Edwards.

    What colors dominate "Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall" by Edwin Edwards?

    The color identity of "Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall" by Edwin Edwards: an earthy palette, dominated by driftwood (#ad9462).

    Where can I buy a print of "Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall" by Edwin Edwards?

    To get a print of "Boscastle Harbour, Cornwall" by Edwin Edwards, simply order it on its Fine Art Print page: a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper.