20th May, 2022 10:30 GMT/BST
The James Harrison Collection of Birds
160
Taxidermy: A Late Victorian Cased Diorama of Male Ruffs (Calidris pugnax), circa 1880-1900, a cased diorama of four adult males in various breeding plumage, all mounted upon painted faux rock work, amidst a natural setting of reeds, rushes and grasses, above pebbled groundwork, set against a watercolour painted evening sky back drop, enclosed within a typical period ebonised three-glass display case, 68.5cm by 15cm by 40cm
Sold for £550
Estimated at £350 - £550
Auction: The James Harrison Collection of Birds, 20th May, 2022
The James Harrison Collection comprises over 200 lots of cased and freemount birds dating from the late Victorian era to the middle of the 20th century. The collection includes rare and unusual examples, such as a passenger pigeon and a kiwi, as well as mounts by the likes of Rowland Ward, James Gardner, Charles Kirk and George Bristow.
James Maurice Harrison (1892-1971) was an ornithologist and one of the last great bird collectors, who gathered large numbers of specimens to study moult patterns, distribution, geographical and colour variation within and between species. A GP by profession, Harrison filled his family home and Doctor's Surgery, Bowerwood House in Kent, with his extraordinary collection.
Viewing
Wednesday 18th May 10:00am - 4:00pm, Thursday 19th May 10:00am - 4:00pm, and the morning of the sale from 8am. Viewing is open to the public, there is no need to make an appointment.
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