Old Badge Hen & Champion Cock Racing Pigeons Oil Portrait Winner Whitley Bay 1909 in the Manner of Andrew Beer.

Details

Description

“Old Badge Hen & Champion Cock” — British Racing Pigeon Trophy Portrait (c.1930) In The Manner of Andrew Beer.
Oil … Read more “Old Badge Hen & Champion Cock” — British Racing Pigeon Trophy Portrait (c.1930) In The Manner of Andrew Beer.
Oil on board in original period frame, inscribed with Holley Bros. (Bute / Trehafod) race record including 1st Whitley Bay 1909
A rare, highly decorative piece of British sporting folk art: a trophy portrait of two celebrated racing pigeons—“Old Badge Hen” and a champion cock owned by Messrs Holley Brothers. Painted in oil on board and presented in its original traditional wood frame, this work is both an artwork and a period sporting document, preserving pedigree and prize results in paint.
Subject and Medium
Oil on board, circa 1930 (painted after years of further racing and breeding success following the 1909 Whitley Bay win referenced in the inscription)
Original period frame
Unsigned (typical for some works in this genre)
Composition
Set beneath a pale blue, lightly clouded sky, the birds are arranged in a classic trophy format: the hen stands in profile on lower ground, while the cock is elevated on a rocky outcrop in a proud, commemorative stance. The painting uses a direct, emblematic approach—clear forms, distinctive plumage patterning, and careful attention to stance and markings—designed for legibility and celebration rather than academic naturalism.
Inscription and Racing History
This is a true racing pigeon trophy portrait, combining the functions of portrait, certificate, pedigree note, and prize record.
“Old Badge Hen” (foundation breeding hen)
Inscribed achievements record her importance as a proven stock bird, including:
Dam of a 1st Perth winner (Club & Federation level)
Grand-dam of additional prize birds
Placings including 1st Chest (RD 3 Buxton) and 2nd Craven Arms
Together, the text positions her as an elite breeding hen whose bloodline produced repeated winners across generations.
Champion Cock (Holley Bros. ownership record and placings)
The inscription lists a competitive résumé including:
1st Whitley Bay (1909) and pool win(s)
2nd Tynemouth, 5th Perth
Period detail noting results “wired” at 6:45 on race day
A standout long-distance feat from Banff to Trehafod, plus 1st Club and a named pool category
The specificity of the text—owners, placings, pools, and race administration details—adds significant social-history value.

Attributed Artist
Attributed to J. Brown (English naïve / folk school), active early 20th century, known for racing pigeon portraits and inscribed sporting commissions. The style sits firmly within the British pigeon trophy-portrait tradition.
Dimensions
Framed: 57 cm (W) × 52 cm (H) × 2.5 cm (D)
Provenance
Private London pigeon fancier collection
Acquired via Curated Auctions (London), 2024
Curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Loaned and exhibited at the “Famous Lord Hill Museum”

Why It Works on Chairish
A one-of-a-kind British folk art and sporting art collectible with strong decorative presence and deep narrative appeal—ideal for interiors seeking character and authentic provenance. Works like this are increasingly sought after as naïve animal portraiture, Victorian/Edwardian sporting memorabilia, and working-class social history. See less