495 - Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe, RA,

Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe, RA, British 1901-1979- Fishermen hauling in nets and sketch of men rowing a boat; pen and ink on paper, with traces of red chalk, variously inscribed with extensive description notes, further inscribed on reverse 'Charles Tunnicliffe R.A. Studio 1980, no...', 13.1 x 22 cm. ARR. Exhibited: London, Martyn Gregory Gallery, 'A foray into the 20th century: works by British artists', 2015, cat. 93, no. 81. Provenance: with Bunny Bird Fine Art. with Martyn Gregory, London [VH 424G]. Note: Tunnicliffe was a hugely prominent and influential wildlife artist, celebrated for his accurate depictions of birds and other animals observed from his home on Anglesey Island, where he lived from 1947 until his death. He was particularly well-known for his illustrations for titles such as 'Tarka the Otter' (1927), various Ladybird books, and the RSPB magazines. The present work deviates from Tunnicliffe’s more familiar output of bird and animal subjects, and is reminiscent of another work by the artist which sold at Bonhams, London, on 13 July 2022, lot 128 (£956), depicting a sheep shearer. Both works depict rural labourers, highlighting Tunnicliffe’s interest in the lives and occupations of workers in the countryside.