Late 19th Century, Gilt Framed, Oil on Canvas, ‘MARKET DAY - MAYFIELD, SUSSEX' (English).
 
This oil painting captures a snapshot of Market Day in a Sussex village in 1890. Based on further research, and finding the photo that inspired this painting, the fair was held twice a year on May 13th and November 13th. Assessing the leaves on the trees, it’s safe to say this snapshot was in May.
 
A considerable amount of research has gone into attempting to confirm who the artist for this artwork is. 

It was meticulously painted by a skilled hand indeed, with intricate details, and titled MARKET DAY - MAYFIELD, SUSSEX' - but, unfortunately, lacks an obvious signature.
 
Upon seeing a photo of the front of the painting, it had been suggested by a Gallery Director in Sussex that this painting was likely by William Christian Symons (1845 - 1911). At this point, it was then revealed to the Gallery that on the rear of the stretcher, is handwritten ‘William 8177’.
 
This led to further investigation and after comparing stretchers, canvas types, technique, and similar artworks painted by the artist, including 'Blow Bugle, Answer Echo' and 'Teatime in the Walled Garden' , it is very likely that the artist was indeed William Christian Symons and likely painted between 1890 and 1900.
 
William Christian Symons lived at The Yew Trees in Mayfield, Sussex from 1898 to 1899.
 
ABOUT WILLIAM CHRISTIAN SYMONS:
 
William Christian Symons (1845-1911)  entered the Lambeth School of Art at a young age and in 1866 attended the Royal Academy Schools. He began exhibiting his pictures in 1875 at the Society of British Artists, the New Watercolour Society, the Grosvenor Gallery and the Royal Institute of Painters in Oil-colours; as well as at the Royal Academy.

He was extremely versatile in his range of subject matter: portraits, flowers, genre scenes, landscapes, still lifes and pictures on historical themes. He strove to maintain an individual style but was, perhaps, influenced by Sargent and by Brabazon’s rapid, colourful sketches. Although not a member of the Newlyn School of artists in Cornwall, he worked there for some time and an article he wrote about the colony was published in 1890. In later life he lived in Sussex, including Mayfield and Udimore, where he passed away in 1911. He was also a decorative designer of distinction: from 1870 he designed, stained glass for the firm of Lavers, Barraud and Westlake, and in 1899 he undertook extensive mosaic decorations in Westminster Cathedral.
 
CONDITION:
 
Wear commensurate with age. It's assessed that the canvas was likely re-stretched after the 1940's, using staples. Overall the painting is in good condition.
 
PROVENANCE:
 
From the Estate of former Art Dealer and Past Grand Steward (Freemasonry) - Member of Runnymede Lodge A.F. & A.M. #619 G.R.C., Frederick W. Thom, Canada, whose significant art collection was sold by Bonham's and Christie's upon his death.