A Passion for Wildlife

Spanning over thirty years of the Thorburn’s career, these artworks have come to the market for the first time in over sixty years, and demonstrate the artist's life-long passion for birds and wildlife. 

Born in Scotland in 1860, his father Robert (1818-85) was Queen Victoria’s favourite miniature painter, and Thorburn trained chiefly under him before studying with German animal painter Joseph Wolf.

Between Surrey and Scotland

After his father’s death, Thorburn left Scotland for London, having exhibited at the Royal Academy since 1880, before settling in Hascombe, Surrey in 1902 with his wife Constance Mudie, where the surrounding woodland provided ample inspiration for his art. But he would return each year to Scotland, painting and sketching at his favourite spot by the Forest of Gaick, near Kingussie in Inverness-shire.

Coloured Figures of Birds in the British Isles

His fame was cemented after a major commission of 268 watercolours from Lord Lilford in 1887 for the monumental work Coloured Figures of Birds in the British Isles, and his works would from then on continue to be reproduced in numerous sporting and natural history publications. From 1899 he would design a Christmas card each year until his death in 1935 for the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (RSPB) of which he would be elected Vice President in 1927.

Timeless Appeal

Today, despite being over one hundred years old, Thorburn’s pictures remain just as bright and fresh as when painted, timeless in their accuracy, charm and appeal; a guarantee of quality distinguishing itself from many other artists in the field.

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Auction Details

Wednesday 11 June 2025, 10.30am BST
Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE

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VIEWING IN LONDON (HIGHLIGHTS)
Tuesday 27 May: 10am-4pm
Wednesday 28 May: 10am-4pm
Thursday 29 May: 10am-4pm

VIEWING IN NEWBURY (FULLSALE)
Sunday 8 June: 10am-3pm
Monday 9 June: 10am-4pm
Tuesday 10 June: 10am-4pm

FURTHER INFORMATION: 
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | pictures@dreweatts.com
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