Framed Mid-Century British Bird Watercolour by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe Obe Ra

Details

Description

Framed Mid-Century British Bird Watercolour by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe OBE RA
This refined mid-century watercolour by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe OBE … Read more Framed Mid-Century British Bird Watercolour by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe OBE RA
This refined mid-century watercolour by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe OBE RA (1901–1979) presents a beautifully observed British song thrush perched on a flowering branch, captured at the moment of song. Executed circa the 1950s and monogrammed “CT”, the work exemplifies Tunnicliffe’s mastery of ornithological art and his ability to unite scientific accuracy with expressive elegance.

Tunnicliffe is widely regarded as one of the greatest British wildlife artists of the twentieth century. A Royal Academician, he achieved international recognition for his depictions of birds and natural history subjects, many of which are now held in museum collections. Working largely from his base on the Isle of Anglesey, his paintings reflect deep observation, disciplined draughtsmanship, and an enduring respect for nature.
The song thrush (Turdus philomelos) has long been celebrated in British literature and folklore for its distinctive repeated song. Here, the bird is rendered with anatomical precision and vitality, while the flowering branch adds compositional balance and seasonal context, elevating the work beyond a simple study into a fully resolved fine-art composition.

Provenance & Exhibition History
This watercolour benefits from a strong and well-documented provenance:
Private Lancashire collector (early ownership)
Sold at Rogers Jones & Co, The Welsh Sale, Cardiff — Lot 224
Exhibited: Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire, January 2026
Curated by: Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Original auction tagging and verso labels accompany the work, supporting its exhibition and sales history.


Dimensions (approx.)
Painting area: 25 cm high × 22 cm wide
Framed size: 46 cm high × 40 cm wide × 1.5 cm deep

Why This Piece
Authentic mid-century British wildlife watercolour
Signed by a Royal Academician
Auction and exhibition provenance
Highly desirable to collectors, interior designers, galleries, museums, and film/TV prop studios
A compelling conversation piece and a sound long-term acquisition
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