Description
Subject & Medium
A superb original British ornithological watercolour, painted in 1973 by the respected wildlife artist Robin Reckitt.
The painting depicts a lively woodland-edge clearing in winter, animated by a rich gathering of mixed British songbirds and woodland species, with a European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) placed prominently as the central focal point. The work is executed in watercolour on paper and is presented behind glass in its original frame.
Composition & Technique
This is a beautifully balanced and highly accomplished multi-figure composition, showing over 30 individual birds arranged in a naturalistic woodland setting.
The robin, perched on a tree stump in the foreground, anchors the entire scene, while surrounding species—pheasant, blackbird, thrush, finches, tits, wagtail, sparrows, swallow, martin and others—are shown feeding, perching, calling, and in flight, creating a convincing and animated impression of a mixed-species winter feeding flock.
The landscape is handled with soft, atmospheric washes, while the birds themselves are rendered with crisper, finely observed detail, demonstrating Reckitt’s skill both as a painter and as an ornithological illustrator.
Stylistically, the work sits firmly in the tradition of Archibald Thorburn and the great British school of wildlife painting, combining painterly atmosphere with accurate natural history observation.
Species Depicted (Identified)
The artist assembles a convincing and entirely British woodland community. The central focal bird is the European Robin, supported in the foreground by a Common Pheasant (cock), Common Blackbird (male), and Song Thrush, with typical ground and hedgerow companions including Dunnock, Wren, Pied Wagtail, and multiple House Sparrows (male and female).
Finch species are strongly represented, including Bullfinch (male), Chaffinch (male), European Goldfinch, and Greenfinch. Among the woodland flock are several tit species—Great Tit, Blue Tit, Long-tailed Tit, and a smaller black-capped tit consistent with Coal Tit or Marsh Tit.
Tree and undergrowth details include a Treecreeper, a Spotted Flycatcher, and a small leaf-warbling species consistent with Chiffchaff / Willow Warbler. The upper register includes birds in motion and flight, notably Swallow and House Martin, alongside a larger pigeon-type bird consistent with Stock Dove or Woodpigeon, and a perched Jackdaw.
In total, the painting depicts over 30 individual birds, representing approximately 22–25 British species, arranged as a lively and believable mixed-species winter feeding congregation.
About the Artist — Robin Reckitt (British, b.1928)
Robin Reckitt is a respected British wildlife artist and illustrator, particularly known for his bird paintings and ornithological illustration work, including contributions associated with BirdLife International and published field guides.
Before becoming a professional artist, he served in the Royal Artillery and later worked for Shell. He subsequently retrained as an artist and became professionally active from the late 1970s, exhibiting widely in the UK and contributing illustrations to books and conservation publications. He has been associated with the Fosseway Artists and other regional art societies, and his work is held in numerous private collections.
His paintings are admired for their accuracy, sensitivity to habitat, and quiet naturalism—qualities that are especially evident in this early and ambitious 1973 composition.
Signed
Signed “Robin Reckitt” lower left, and titled and dated 1973 lower right.
Framed
Presented in its original glazed wooden frame, which complements the subject beautifully and is ready to hang.
Dimensions Framed:. 61cm High × 50.5 cm Width x Depth 2.5 cm
Provenance
This painting has a clear, layered, and well-documented modern provenance:
The Loquens Gallery, The Minories, Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon (original gallery label verso); Private Collection, UK; Kinghams Auctioneers, Moreton-in-Marsh, sold as Lot 326, Fine & Decorative Arts Sale July 2023, catalogued as Robin Reckitt (British, b.1928), “Rubecula and other birds”, signed, titled and dated 1973, watercolour; subsequently acquired and curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, specialists in fine and decorative arts.
This gives the work a secure, traceable, and verifiable position in the art market record.
Why You’ll Love It
A large, richly detailed multi-species British bird composition
Early dated work (1973) by a recognised wildlife illustrator
Strongly in the tradition of Archibald Thorburn and the classic British ornithological school
Over 30 birds and 20+ species in one beautifully balanced scene
From a private collection and curated by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Clear provenance including gallery label and published auction record
Condition Report
Painting: Very good vintage condition, with fresh, unfaded colour and no visible damage, tears, or staining observed.
Frame: Original, showing light surface wear, minor scuffs and age-related marks consistent with age. Please note: the photographs form an integral part of the description and condition report, and should be consulted carefully as part of the overall assessment of this piece.
Add this adorable ornithology masterpiece to your collection today.
Reserve: $5,063.00
Shipping:
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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Used
Buyer's Premium
20%
A Winter Gathering Robin & Mixed British Songbirds Manner of Archibald Thorburn
Estimate $6,000-$7,000
Starting Price
$2,400
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Sporting, Animal & Equestrian Art Auction
May 07, 2026 5:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
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