J Browne, oil portrait of a racing pigeon

Oil on board of a racing pigeon: Walkley Pilot, signed J Browne 1927.

The inscription reads:

'Walkley Pilot, Blue CC bred 1924 NUHP CB N124

Owned by TK Robson, Sheffield, 

Flown the channel 5 times including Marennes 1927 distance 525 miles'

Painted on Winsor and Newton labelled canvas board. 

Modern dark frame

Frame:  18.75” x  14.75"    48cm x38cm

Sight:  15.25 x 11.5     39cm x 29cm

SOLD

Ref:  376

Brown/e is a noted painter of racing pigeons of this period, and these portraits are typical of his output.  The pigeons stand against a plain background, relying on their intelligent profile and iridescent neck and chest feathers to make an impact. 

 Pigeon racing in the British Isles was a very popular pastime in the early 20th century, with demand for trophies at its highest in the 1920's, when several artists were working in the field. 

Notable among them were E H Windred in London, Andrew Beer in Bristol and South Wales and J Brown/e in Northumberland and Cumberland, although there were several others.