Joseph Strutt Collection

Anniversary Fete at the Arboretum, Derby - The Entrance Gateway, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Anniversary Fete at the Arboretum, Derby - The Entrance Gateway, 1854. Crowds visit public gardens in Derbyshire....thousands upon thousands of the labouring classes

Statue of Mr Strutt, in the Arboretum, at Derby, 1854. Creator: Unknown
Statue of Mr Strutt, in the Arboretum, at Derby, 1854. Joseph Strutt [a cotton mill owner]...saw with sorrow that no open heath or common-land existed in the neighbourhood of his native town

Joseph Strutt, 1749-1802, from the portrait in the National Portrait Gallery (litho)
3632202 Joseph Strutt, 1749-1802, from the portrait in the National Portrait Gallery (litho) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Joseph Strutt, 1749-1802)

Tournament of the Earl of Warwick, 16th century (1906). John Dudley, 2nd Earl of Warwick (1527-1554), and his brothers Ambrose (1530-1590) and Robert (1533-1588)

The Life of Thomas Becket, (1801). Artist: Joseph Strutt
The Life of Thomas Becket, (1801). Scenes from the life of St Thomas a Becket (1120-1170). Reconciliation with Henry II; Thomas returns to England; News of Knights

The Pel Quintain, 14th century, (1883)
The Pel Quintin, 14th century, (1833). The quintain was a log or tree stump on which a knight practised his sword strokes

Hoodman Blind, (1833). Medieval depiction of the game also known as Blind Mans Bluff, in which a player is blinded and buffeted by other players until one is caught

Diving for Apples, (1833). His head is placed over water to catch an object or avoid being ducked when elevated. Illustration after a manuscript in the Bodleian Library

Bob-cherry, 14th century (1833). Game in which the cherry is hung so as to bob against the mouth, in order to teach the virtues of patience and constancy

A Green Man, (1833). Actors would dress as green men disguised in droll masks. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Ancient Playing Cards: Knave and Ace, (1833). The Knave of Pinks and The Ace of Roses. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Ancient Playing Cards: King and Queen, (1833). The King of Columbines and the Queen of Rabbits. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Square and circular chessboards, 14th century, (1833). An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Ancient Chess Play, 14th century, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the Harleian Collection of the British Library

Bear and Monkey, 13th century, (1833). Dancing bears and monkeys would peform in the public streets. Illustration after a book of prayers in the Harleian Collection of the British Library

A bear standing on his head, 14th century, (1833). An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Tutored Bear, 14th century, (1833). The teaching of bears to imitate the actions of men. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Sword dance, (1833). Young men dance among the points of swords. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Tumbling with musicians, 14th century, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt

Boat Tilting, 14th century, (1833). The aim was to strike your antagonist with your lance and overthrow him into the river. Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library

Tumbling, 14th century, (1833). Man bending himself backwards in an extraordinary manner. The original is from the library of Sir Hans Sloane

Boys Tilting in Pastime, 14th century, (1833). Those of a lower rank were excluded from the jousts. They therefore replaced the horse with a long switch, and the lance by switch

A Justing Toy, (1833). Toy knight on horseback, made of brass. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Preparation for a Tournament, (1833). Two chief barons at the commencement of a tournament. Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library entitled St Graal

Tilting at the Ring, (1833). Jousting practice: running at the ring (also known as tilting at the quintain) was to ride at full speed, and thrust the point of the lance through the ring

Human Quintain contest, (1833). The contest between two figures depends upon the breaking of the stick which both hold on to, or is a struggle to overthrow each other

The Ring In Tilting, (1833). The letter A indicates the ring detached from the sheath; B represents the sheath with the ring attached to the post

Swing exercise from the Quintain, (1833). The opponent is seated in a swing and drawn back, descending with great force and striking the foot of the antagonist

Exercises derived from the Quintain, (1833) One man seated holds up one of his feet, opposed to the foot of another man, who stands upon another leg and endeavours to thrust him backwards

Water-Tub Quintain, 1344, (1833). Target practice for jousting: boys striking at a tub of water in such a manner as not to throw it over them

Moveable Quintain, 1344, (1833). Target practice for jousting: consisting of a cross-bar turning upon a pivot with a broad part to strike against

Fixed Quintain, 1344, (1833). Target practice: the fixed quintain consists of a stake fixed into ground, with a shield to aim at

Ancient Wrestling, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Two Saxon Archers, 8th century, (1833)
Two Saxon Archers in search of wild deer, 8th century, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England

Ladies Hawking, 14th century, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Hunting Dresses, 15th century, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the Harleian Collection of the British Library. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England

Men and Women in the act of Hawking, 14th century, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England

Lady hunting with a hound, 14th centuy, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London)

Lady blowing a hunting horn, 14th century, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt

The Unearthing of a Fox, 14th century, (1833). Illustration after a manuscript in the British Library. An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London)

Spearing a Boar, 14th century, (1833). An engraving from The Sports and Pastimes of the people of England, by Joseph Strutt, (London, 1833)

Swine hunting, 9th century, (1833). Saxon chieftain hunting with hounds. Illustration after a manuscript in the Cotton Collection of the British Library

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Joseph Strutt (1749-1802) was a renowned artist and antiquarian, known for his detailed depictions of historical events and artifacts. His works provide us with invaluable insights into the past, capturing the essence of different eras. One of his notable pieces is a lithograph portrait displayed in the National Portrait Gallery. This captivating image allows us to catch a glimpse himself, giving us an idea of the man behind these remarkable creations. Strutt's artistic talent shines through in his depiction of the Tournament of the Earl of Warwick from the 16th century. With meticulous attention to detail, he brings this medieval spectacle to life, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in this grand event. In "The Life of Thomas Becket, " Strutt showcases his versatility as an artist by illustrating scenes from this significant historical figure's life. Through his brushstrokes, he captures both Becket's triumphs and struggles, providing a visual narrative that adds depth to our understanding. Strutt also delves into recreational activities with illustrations such as "The Pel Quintain" and "Hoodman Blind. " These images transport us back in time, offering glimpses into popular games enjoyed centuries ago. Furthermore, Strutt explores various aspects of medieval culture through artworks like "Diving for Apples" and "Bob-cherry. " These charming depictions give us insight into leisurely pursuits during that era while showcasing Strutt's ability to capture moments filled with joy and mirth. Additionally, he turns his attention towards ancient playing cards - depicting knaves, aces, kings, queens - revealing their intricate designs and cultural significance. These illustrations serve as windows into entertainment practices prevalent during earlier times. Lastly but not least importantly are Strutt’s representations related to chess: square and circular chessboards along with an illustration titled “Ancient Chess Play. ” By portraying these strategic board games dating back centuries ago; he highlights the enduring nature of this intellectual pursuit.