Artwork
Turkey Roost
Turkey Roost is a watercolor work on paper by Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe. It dates from 1950 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe’s watercolour, dated around 1950, portrays a small group of turkeys settled among tree branches. The composition includes four perched birds and a single turkey captured in mid‑flight, set against a light beige backdrop that frames the scene with understated tranquility.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts domestic turkeys at rest, suggesting a quiet moment of evening roosting. The inclusion of a bird in flight introduces a subtle contrast between stillness and movement, inviting contemplation of natural cycles of rest and activity within a simple woodland setting.
Technique & Style
Executed in transparent watercolour, Tunnicliffe employs a restrained palette of dark plumage tones against muted greys and browns for the branches. The delicate washes create soft edges and a sense of atmospheric depth, while the light background enhances the calm, almost meditative mood of the scene.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1950, the painting entered the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s interest in British wildlife illustration and the artist’s reputation for detailed natural studies.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Frederick Tunnicliffe specialized in detailed watercolors of British wildlife in the mid-20th century.
