15th Nov, 2025 9:30 GMT/BST
British, European & Sporting Art
1027
John Cyril Harrison (1898-1985)
Fulmar in flight over an extensive coastline
Signed, pencil and watercolour heightened with white, 24cm by 16.5cm
John Cyril Harrison (1898-1985)
With fine brushwork and an instinct for movement, John Cyril Harrison convincingly captured birds not as still studies, but soaring in flight.
Born in Wiltshire with an extraordinary talent for drawing, Harrison was quick to take up observational sketching of birds. His fascination with their anatomy further developed in his studies at Slade School of Art during the interwar period. Here, he honed his understanding of form and movement through the practice of taxidermy. Following his studies, Harrison planned to travel. Exploration of Iceland and Africa greatly informed his artistic style across both his commissions and own publications. Later in life, Harrison became closely involved with the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, and helped found the Society of Wildlife Arts, demonstrating his lifelong devotion to conserving British bird life.
Setting himself apart from others, Harrison’s works capture real atmosphere by using looser brushwork than some of his predecessors. He expresses the vitality and drama of Britain’s birds by complementing wonderful accuracy with a touch of impressionism. While their depiction is near perfect, the birds’ surroundings are less precise, creating really vibrant and imaginative scenes.
Sold for £380
Estimated at £200 - £300
Auction: British, European & Sporting Art, 15th Nov, 2025
An early work by Alfred Munnings depicting Romani life at Norwich’s historic Tombland Fair is set to lead the sale. Sir Alfred Munnings (1878-1959) grew up in the deeply rural Waveney Valley in Suffolk, and his childhood was spent sketching the working horses around the family mill. Going on to set up his own studio, the opening decade of the 20th century saw him established himself as an artist painting in rural East Anglia, documenting the countryside and country life, sketching travellers, working horses and the local society in his characteristic impressionistic manner, filled with colour and light. It was only after the First World War that he went on to concentrate on painting horses, becoming the most celebrated equestrian artist of the 20th century.
A good range of traditional Sporting art of offer in the sale includes a rare depiction of a 19th century boxing match - one of the most fascinating works in the sale. It illustrates the match which took place between Carter and Oliver at Gretna Green on 4th October 1816 on the estate of Sir James Maxwell. The stakes were a hefty 100 guineas each, and the contest took place in a 24-foot roped ring in front of approximately 30,000 spectators, leaving the streets around Carlisle empty. Going into the match, Oliver was the favourite to win, but despite rumours of Carter’s lack of prowess, he dominated the fight and came out the victor. Carter was seconded by Painter and Harmer, and Oliver by Cribb and Copper, whose names are painted on the bottom of the frame.
There is also a strong selection of ornithological works by the likes of Archibald Thorburn and John Cyril Harrison.
Further highlights of the sale include The Incredulity of St Thomas by a Follower of Philippe de Champaigne, and a charming depiction of two children inspecting a bird’s nest by Dorothea Sharp.
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Viewing
Sunday 9th November - Thursday 13th November 11am-3pm, Friday 14th November 8am-3pm, and morning of the sale from 8am
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