British Racing Pigeon Trophy Portrait, Oil on Board C.1930, Holley Bros., 1st Whitley Bay 1909

British Racing Pigeon Trophy Portrait, Oil on Board c.1930, Holley Bros., 1st Whitley Bay 1909, Original Frame. In the Manner of Andrew Beer.

Description

A rare and highly decorative British sporting folk-art racing pigeon trophy portrait, painted oil on board and dating to circa 1930, presented in its original period carved wood frame. The painting depicts two champion birds: “Old Badge Hen” (a celebrated foundation breeding hen) and a Champion Cock owned by Messrs Holley Brothers. The original painted inscriptions record race results, pools and breeding achievements, including “1st Whitley Bay 1909”, making this work both a striking interior piece and a genuine period document of early 20th-century pigeon racing culture.

The composition is classic trophy format: the hen shown in profile on lower ground, with the cock elevated on a rocky outcrop beneath a pale blue sky. The artist uses a direct, emblematic approach typical of British naïve/sporting portrait traditions, with strong clarity of form and distinctive plumage detail.

Inscriptions (Key Points for Buyers)

Old Badge Hen

Inscribed as dam and grand-dam of multiple prize winners, including noted placings from Perth, Buxton and Craven Arms.

Champion Cock (Holley Bros.)

Inscribed with ownership and a competitive record including 1st Whitley Bay 1909, pool wins, additional placings (including Tynemouth and Perth), and a notable long-distance Banff-to-Trehafod achievement, with period detail referencing results being “wired” on race day.

Artist / School

Attributed to J. Brown (English naïve / folk school, early 20th century), a specialist hand within the racing pigeon trophy-portrait tradition. Unsigned, consistent with some works in the genre.

Medium

Oil on board, in original traditional wood frame.

Dimensions

Framed: 57 cm wide × 52 cm high × 2.5 cm deep

Condition

Good, honest condition consistent with age:

Foxing and surface craquelure

Visible vertical stain at the far left of the painted surface

Frame with an old corner repair, minor retouching, scuffs and general wear

Provenance

Private London pigeon fancier collection. Acquired via a London auction house in 2024. Previously loaned/exhibited (per prior vendor notes).

Shipping

Worldwide shipping available. Professionally packed and fully insured for safe delivery.

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