What characterises mid-century British natural history illustration?

Mid-century British natural history illustration focuses on precise anatomical accuracy, meticulous observational detail, and realistic depictions of native fauna within natural botanical settings, often executed in watercolour or gouache.

What materials were traditionally used in mid-century framed artworks?

Artworks from this period typically feature watercolour or bodycolour painted on heavy rag paper or board, mounted within multi-ply paper card mats, and fitted into simple solid wood frames with protective glass fronts.

How do you properly care for and preserve framed watercolour paintings?

Display watercolour paintings away from direct sunlight and harsh artificial light to prevent fading. Maintain a stable indoor climate with consistent temperature and humidity, ensuring acid-free mounting materials are used within the frame.

How should natural history artwork be styled in a contemporary interior?

Botanical and wildlife art pairs well with organic materials such as timber, linen, and ceramics, and can be displayed individually above a console or arranged in a gallery wall grouping with complementary nature studies.

How can collectors identify authentic works by Charles F. Tunnicliffe?

Authentic works often feature the artists distinctive CFT monogram or signature, precise feather and anatomical rendered detail, and paper stock characteristic of twentieth-century British art publishers and studios.

for sale €17,550 $19,050

£15,000

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Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Name: Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1191686
Price: 15000 GBP
Availability: InStock

1940 - 1960

For Sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

Overview

An original watercolour on artist-quality paper by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe (1901–1979), executed circa the 1950s. The vertically oriented study shows a Song Thrush perched on a flowering branch, captured at the moment of song. The sheet is monogrammed “CT” in the lower margin, consistent with authenticated mid-century examples.

Artist significance

Charles F. Tunnicliffe OBE RA is one of Britain’s foremost twentieth-century wildlife artists. Trained in Belfast and active from Anglesey, his work is valued for exacting observation, disciplined draughtsmanship and elegant composition. His paintings and illustrations are represented in public and private institutional collections and remain highly collectible.

Composition & technique

Vertical composition focuses on the bird with a diagonal flowering branch for seasonal context.

Layered translucent washes build tonal volume; precise linework and dry-brush accents define feather and bark texture.

Restrained, natural palette of warm browns, soft greys and subtle blossom tones.

The treatment balances rigorous ornithological study with refined decorative resolution. Monogrammed “CT” in the lower margin.

Provenance & exhibition

Early private ownership, Lancashire.

Sold at Rogers Jones & Co, The Welsh Sale, Cardiff — Lot 224.

Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire (January 2026).

Curated and marketed by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Original auction and exhibition labels remain on the verso and will be supplied with the sale.

Condition report

Excellent vintage condition. No active foxing, staining or pigment loss observed; colours are fresh and stable. Mount and glazing are secure. Frame shows wear and scuff marks on the upper top section consistent with age and normal use. No immediate conservation required. For long-term institutional display we recommend museum-grade UV-filtering glazing and environmental controls.

Framing & presentation

Presented in a sympathetic later oak frame with a cream double mount and subtle inlay. Professionally backed and secured; ready to hang. Original verso labels retained.

Dimensions

Framed: 46.0 cm (H) × 40.0 cm (W) × 1.5 cm (D)

Visible painting: 25.0 cm (H) × 22.0 cm (W)

Shipping, authentication & purchase

Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed, fully insured and tracked. Independent condition and attribution reports can be provided on request. Original auction/exhibition labels accompany the work. To purchase contact Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD for export assistance.

Charles F. Tunnicliffe, Tunnicliffe watercolour, Song Thrush painting, Turdus philomelos, 1950s watercolour, mid-century British art, wildlife painting, ornithological art, signed CT, framed watercolour, Rogers Jones & Co provenance, British natural history art

Date of Manufacture

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this Charles Tunnicliffe Bird Painting to the 1950s.

Independent Date Guide ID 09341802

Dealer's Item Date1950s

Sellingantiques Date1950s

Sellingantiques agingItem 55-85 years old

ResultsDates match

Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1950s:

Monogrammed CT below the branch: the artist's working cipher from his Anglesey studio.

Opaque gouache highlights over watercolour: illustration method popular from the 1930s to 1960s.

Heavy textured watercolour paper: artist-quality stock showing gentle age toning.

Welsh auction label on the backing: records previous appearance in a specialist sale.

This Independent Date Guide was compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. It works only from the photographs shown on this page and is never told the date the dealer has declared. It is a guide, not a guarantee of age, and occasional errors can occur.

Physical Dimensions

Height

46cm (18.11")

Width

40cm (15.75")

Depth

1.5cm (0.59")

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1191686

Dealers Internal Reference

766

Dealers Notes

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Description

Overview

An original watercolour on artist-quality paper by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe (1901–1979), executed circa the 1950s.

“

The vertically oriented study shows a Song Thrush perched on a flowering branch, captured at the moment of song.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

The sheet is monogrammed “CT” in the lower margin, consistent with authenticated mid-century examples.

fig 1. A framed mid-century watercolour artwork depicting a song thrush perched on a flowering apple blossom branch, encased in a light timber frame with a double cream mount. — fig 1. Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Artist significance

Charles F. Tunnicliffe OBE RA is one of Britain’s foremost twentieth-century wildlife artists. Trained in Belfast and active from Anglesey, his work is valued for exacting observation, disciplined draughtsmanship and elegant composition. His paintings and illustrations are represented in public and private institutional collections and remain highly collectible.

fig 2. A framed mid-century watercolour artwork depicting a song thrush perched on a flowering apple blossom branch, encased in a light timber frame with a double cream mount. — fig 2. Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Composition & technique

Vertical composition focuses on the bird with a diagonal flowering branch for seasonal context.

Layered translucent washes build tonal volume; precise linework and dry-brush accents define feather and bark texture.

fig 3. A framed mid-century watercolour artwork depicting a song thrush perched on a flowering apple blossom branch, encased in a light timber frame with a double cream mount. — fig 3. Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Restrained, natural palette of warm browns, soft greys and subtle blossom tones.

The treatment balances rigorous ornithological study with refined decorative resolution. Monogrammed “CT” in the lower margin.

fig 4. A framed mid-century watercolour artwork depicting a song thrush perched on a flowering apple blossom branch, encased in a light timber frame with a double cream mount. — fig 4. Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Provenance & exhibition

Early private ownership, Lancashire.

Sold at Rogers Jones & Co, The Welsh Sale, Cardiff — Lot 224.

Exhibited at the Famous Lord Hill Museum, Shropshire (January 2026).

Curated and marketed by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD. Original auction and exhibition labels remain on the verso and will be supplied with the sale.

fig 5. A framed mid-century watercolour artwork depicting a song thrush perched on a flowering apple blossom branch, encased in a light timber frame with a double cream mount. — fig 5. Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Condition report

Excellent vintage condition. No active foxing, staining or pigment loss observed; colours are fresh and stable. Mount and glazing are secure. Frame shows wear and scuff marks on the upper top section consistent with age and normal use. No immediate conservation required. For long-term institutional display we recommend museum-grade UV-filtering glazing and environmental controls.

fig 6. A framed mid-century watercolour artwork depicting a song thrush perched on a flowering apple blossom branch, encased in a light timber frame with a double cream mount. — fig 6. Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Framing & presentation

Presented in a sympathetic later oak frame with a cream double mount and subtle inlay. Professionally backed and secured; ready to hang. Original verso labels retained.

Dimensions

fig 7. A framed mid-century watercolour artwork depicting a song thrush perched on a flowering apple blossom branch, encased in a light timber frame with a double cream mount. — fig 7. Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Framed: 46.0 cm (H) × 40.0 cm (W) × 1.5 cm (D)

Visible painting: 25.0 cm (H) × 22.0 cm (W)

Shipping, authentication & purchase

Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed, fully insured and tracked. Independent condition and attribution reports can be provided on request. Original auction/exhibition labels accompany the work. To purchase contact Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD for export assistance.

fig 8. A framed mid-century watercolour artwork depicting a song thrush perched on a flowering apple blossom branch, encased in a light timber frame with a double cream mount. — fig 8. Mid-century Thrush Song Bird Painting by Charles F. Tunnicliffe

Charles F. Tunnicliffe, Tunnicliffe watercolour, Song Thrush painting, Turdus philomelos, 1950s watercolour, mid-century British art, wildlife painting, ornithological art, signed CT, framed watercolour, Rogers Jones & Co provenance, British natural history art