Born in 1781 George Walker was the son of a successful businessman and spent all his life in Yorkshire. He began a career as an artist and to start concentrated mostly on landscapes of his local rural surroundings. As his reputation grew he was approached by the Yorkshire booksellers Robinson and Son in Leeds with the prospect of creating a book. It would feature the manners and dress of the people living and working in Yorkshire. The images that Walker produced are some of the best regarded in its field representing individuals such as a Fisherman, Milk Boy, even a Horse Dealer. Even some community scenes and customs were depicted including the Rabe Threshing and Midsummer Eve feasts. ‘Plate 3 is of particular interest in being the first representation of a steam engine on rails; built by Murray & Blenkinsop, Leeds, in 1812, about two years before Stephenson’s engine, it was used from 1812 until 1833’ (Abbey Life). Walker makes no attempt to hide the humble backgrounds of his subjects yet none of his images depicts anything other than the proud people for which Yorkshire is famous. They are ‘faithful presentations of British peasantry in their various occupations, and also depict Yorkshire military uniforms, sea-bathing from machines at Bridlington, hawking on the moors, the Doncaster races, and other popular subjects’ (Martin-Hardie). A very good example of Walker’s important book depicting British life at the time. Abbey Life 432; Martin-Hardie 153; Tooley 498.