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.