Linnell refers to the picture as Wales in his Journal and contemporary letters, but as Woodcutters in Wales in the sketchbook in which he kept a pictorial record of his work, now in the British Museum. According to the Journal, William Agnew agreed to buy the picture on 24 October 1863, paying ¨100 deposit out of an agreed price of ¨600. The canvas was 'on the easel' by 2 November and was completed by 7 December, Agnew sending the balance a week later.

We are grateful to David Linnell for his help in preparing this entry.