A Winter Gathering: Robin and Mixed British Songbirds — Original Watercolor on Paper in the Tradition of Archibald Thorburn

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Description

A WINTER GATHERING: ROBIN AND MIXED BRITISH SONGBIRDS (1973)
Robin Reckitt (British, b.1928) — Original Watercolor on Paper
In the … Read more A WINTER GATHERING: ROBIN AND MIXED BRITISH SONGBIRDS (1973)
Robin Reckitt (British, b.1928) — Original Watercolor on Paper
In the Tradition of Archibald Thorburn
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SUBJECT & MEDIUM
Original British ornithological watercolor painted in 1973 by wildlife artist Robin Reckitt. The composition depicts a woodland-edge clearing in winter filled with mixed British songbirds and woodland species, centred on a European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) perched on a tree stump. Watercolour on paper, presented behind protective glass.
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COMPOSITION & TECHNIQUE
A highly accomplished multi-figure wildlife study featuring over 30 individual birds arranged within a naturalistic habitat. The robin acts as the focal point while surrounding species—pheasant, blackbird, thrush, finches, tits, wagtail, sparrows, swallow, martin and others—are shown feeding, perching, calling and in flight, creating the lively effect of a mixed-species winter flock. Soft atmospheric washes form the woodland setting, contrasted with crisp, finely observed detail in the birds. The overall style aligns with the British ornithological tradition associated with Archibald Thorburn, combining painterly atmosphere with accurate natural history observation.
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SPECIES DEPICTED (IDENTIFIED)
European Robin; Common Pheasant (cock); Common Blackbird (male); Song Thrush; Dunnock; Wren; Pied Wagtail; House Sparrows (male and female). Finches include Bullfinch (male), Chaffinch (male), European Goldfinch and Greenfinch. Tit species include Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit and a smaller black-capped tit consistent with Coal Tit or Marsh Tit. Additional woodland birds include Treecreeper, Spotted Flycatcher and a leaf-warbling species consistent with Chiffchaff/Willow Warbler. Upper register birds include Swallow, House Martin, a pigeon-type bird consistent with Stock Dove or Woodpigeon, and a perched Jackdaw. Over 30 individual birds are depicted, representing approximately 22–25 British species.
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ABOUT THE ARTIST
Robin Reckitt is a respected British wildlife artist and illustrator known for bird paintings and ornithological illustration work, including contributions associated with BirdLife International and published field guides. He served in the Royal Artillery and later worked for Shell before retraining as an artist and becoming professionally active from the late 1970s. His work is admired for accuracy, sensitivity to habitat and quiet naturalism, qualities strongly evident in this early 1973 composition.
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SIGNED
Signed “Robin Reckitt” lower left; titled and dated 1973 lower right.
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FRAMED
Presented in the original glazed wooden frame, ready to hang.
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SIZE
Framed: 61 cm (H) x 50.5 cm (W) x 2.5 cm (D).
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PROVENANCE
The Loquens Gallery, The Minories, Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon (gallery label verso); Private Collection, UK; Kinghams Auctioneers, Moreton-in-Marsh, Fine & Decorative Arts Sale, July 2023, Lot 326 (catalogued as “Rubecula and other birds”, signed, titled and dated 1973, watercolour); subsequently acquired and curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
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WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT
A rare large-scale British bird watercolour with exceptional detail and a classic woodland flock composition. Early dated work (1973) by an established wildlife illustrator. Strongly aligned with the British ornithological tradition associated with Archibald Thorburn. Over 30 birds and 20+ species create a richly animated, highly decorative scene. Excellent for interiors: study, library, country house, sporting art, natural history or bird enthusiast collections. Documented provenance with gallery label and published auction record.
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British ornithological painting, bird watercolour, wildlife art, Robin Reckitt, Archibald Thorburn style, English country house art, sporting art, natural history art, robin painting, songbirds, woodland birds, framed watercolour, vintage British art, bird study, bird lovers gift, library wall art, study wall decor, country home decor. See less