20th May, 2022 10:30 GMT/BST

The James Harrison Collection of Birds

 
  Lot 65
 

65

Taxidermy: A Cased Diorama of European Wigeon (Mareca penelope), dated 1967-1969, by James Harrison, Sevenoaks, Kent, a cased diorama of two adult drakes and one adult female, the pair of drakes to the rear one preening his wings feathers, the female to the front with head lowered in feeding pose, all mounted upon painted faux rockwork, amidst a river bank setting of tall dry grasses, set above a glass simulated river bank, against a watercolour painted interior, enclosed within an ebonised three-glass display case, 68.5cm by 38.5cm by 49.5cm, bearing data label to interior - Wigeon, , 1st yr, ad, both shot Jan 8th 1969, Chetney, Kent, (Guy's first ROL), ad, Dec 31st 1967, Greenborough, Kent, (Guy's first Wigeon), Mounted by James. M. Harrison.

Sold for £180
Estimated at £120 - £180


 

right side glass panel broken.

 


We are happy to provide Condition Reports to prospective buyers, but would welcome your request as soon as possible, preferably at least 48 hours before the Day of Sale. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the start of the auction. The absence of a Condition Report from a lot does not mean that the lot is in perfect condition. A Condition Report is an honest expression of our opinion, not a statement of fact and is provided as a service to the seller. All lots are available on public view ahead of an auction and we encourage prospective buyers to inspect an item in person where possible. Our Condition Reports are not prepared by professional conservators, restorers, or engineers, and are prepared with the naked eye unless otherwise stated.

Regarding Pictures, Prints and Works on Paper, works are not examined out of the frame, unless specifically stated. Tennants Auctioneers do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames, or to picture frame glass whilst the item is in our possession.

We accept no liability for the opinions expressed in any Condition Report.

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. 

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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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