24th Sep, 2021 14:00

The Scottish Pictures Auction

 
  Lot 2013
 

THE RAIDERS, A WATERCOLOUR BY JOHN CYRIL HARRISON

* JOHN CYRIL HARRISON (BRITISH 1898 - 1985),
THE RAIDERS
watercolour on paper, signed, titled label verso
image size 33cm x 47cm, overall size 54cm x 67cm
Mounted, framed and under glass.
Label verso: Vicars Brothers, London.
Handwritten label verso.
Note: As a young boy John Cyril Harrison showed an outstanding gift for drawing and his later sketch books reveal a rare talent for accurate observation and draughtsmanship. J.C.Harrison studied at the Slade School of Art and improved his knowledge of anatomy through the practice of taxidermy. After that he moved to Norfolk where he became a keen supporter of the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Although most of his pictures depict the Norfolk countryside with its birds, he was a frequent visitor to Scotland where he spent time studying, sketching and painting Golden Eagles, Grouse, Ptarmigan and Capercaillie. He also lived for a short while in Africa and enjoyed a limited time painting the wildlife there. J.C.Harrison was one of the most popular artists at the major sporting galleries and, in particular, The Tryon Gallery (London), where his exhibitions were eagerly awaited. Many of his paintings were so sought after, that collectors had to place their names in a hat in order to compete for the pictures they wanted. Harrison had a peerless reputation for painting birds in flight, indeed it was Aylmer Tryon himself who remarked that he thought that "John Cyril Harrison’s birds in flight surpassed even those of Archibald Thorburn". His drawings were remarkably accurate and he was blessed with a wonderfully fluent style which gave him the ability to combine realism with a hint of impressionism. That rare combination gave life and movement to his subjects, something which many collectors say no other bird artist has quite been able to match. For this reason many bird art enthusiasts rate his finest work as second to none. His pictures have consistently enjoyed great success in both auction houses and galleries and his work is seen in many important private collections. On 25th January 2012 Bonhams (Knightsbridge, London) sold a fine collection of watercolours by Harrison with the highest price for a single watercolour being £33,650, two other watercolours achieving £20,000 or more and twelve other single watercolour lots selling for £10,000 or more (all prices "premium").

 

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Sold for £900
Estimated at £800 - £1,200


Condition Report
Condition is good overall, with no signs of restoration, damages or known issues. There is a few spots of foxing in the mount. Additional images have been uploaded to our website.

 
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