Ornithological Painting Jays Perched Bird Study Signed Donald Watson 1918 2005
London, United Kingdom
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Dimensions
Wear Condition
Good
Material
Oil on Canvas, Oak
Style
Vintage
Product Details
Description
Ornithological Interest 1 Decorative Art 20th Century Mixed Media Painting "Jays Perched On Larch Branches Bird Study By Donald Watson 1918-2005.
Mixed media on paper with a front protective glass cover.
An early example of his very fine work.
Set in original light oak wooden frame.
Subject Ornithological study of Jays perched on larchways.
Signed by the famous listed known British artist Donald Watson 1918-2005.
Watson was born at Cranleigh, Surrey. He drew birds as a child and was encouraged in this by the wildlife artist Archibald Thorburn.
He exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy, Royal Glasgow Institute of Fine Arts & Royal Institute.
The family relocated to Edinburgh, and Donald attended Edinburgh Academy. There he met a former pupil, George Waterston, Director of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in Scotland, and President of the Midlothian Ornithologists' Club, which became the Scottish Ornithologists' Club in 1936.
Together with his elder brother, Eric (1914-1999), they were among the first members of the newly founded Scottish Ornithologists' Club in 1933, and helped to set up a bird observatory on the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth. After attending Oxford University and then undergoing war service in India, he was further encouraged by two ornithologists at Tynron, Dumfriesshire, the Rev. J.M. McWilliam, and Sir Arthur Duncan, Chairman of the Nature Conservancy.
Donald Watson specialised in painting birds in their natural environment. He had his first one-man exhibition in Edinburgh in 1949, followed by London, Glasgow, Oxford, Dumfries as well as Toronto and Luxembourg. He illustrated over 30 books, including the Oxford Book of British Birds. He became a founder member of the Society of Wildlife Artists, and President of the Scottish Ornithologists' Club. He also was a local bird recorder for Galloway.
He was not only a painter, but also a gifted author. His first book, written and illustrated by him, was "Birds of Moor and Mountain" (1972), followed by "The Hen Harrier" (1977), "A Bird Artist in Scotland" (1988), and "One Pair of Eyes" (1994).
He and his wife, Joan, settled in St. John's Town of Dalry in a house called Barone.
He died in Dumfries. He and his wife are buried in Dalry Kirkyard. The Donald Watson Gallery, an exhibition space for wildlife artists at Waterston House in Aberlady, East Lothian is named after him.
Although they are the most colourful members of the crow family, jays are actually quite difficult to see. They are shy woodland birds, rarely moving far from cover. The screaming call usually lets you know a jay is nearby and it is usually given when a bird is on the move, so watch for a bird flying between the trees with its distinctive flash of white on the rump. Jays are famous for their acorn feeding habits and in the autumn you may see them burying acorns for retrieving later in the winter.
Circa mid 20th century dated 1957.
Provenance written in pen verso first purchased by J.M.Dickson at 47 Mainst Dalry(Home of the artist) and bequeathed to his son Douglas in Leominster following his death. We purchased it bought from a fine auction label verso.
Reference sources wikipedia, Scottish Ornithologists Club,
Highly sought after by CEO's, interior designers, museums, art gallerys, antique dealers, famous & private collectors, film tv studio prop shops.
Ready for immediate home wall display with hanging thread verso.
Condition report:
Offered in fine used condition.
The front painting surface is in good overall order.
The frame having some minor chips in places, scuffs, scratches commensurate with usage & age, the protective glass is in good order.
Wear Condition
Good
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Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
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Average
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Apparent Wear and Tear
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Last updated: 12/02/2026
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