Collection of Terance James Bond works to go under the hammer at Cheffins

A remarkable private collection of works by the late Suffolk artist, Terance James Bond, is set to go under the hammer at the Cheffins Fine Sale on 17^th September. As one of the UK’s most revered wildlife artists, the paintings are a series of lifelike studies of British birds and are set to be of interest for collectors throughout the country.

The collection belonged to the Groves family of Bedfordshire and was built over a period of four decades. The paintings were collected by Mr and Mrs Robert Groves, following the couple meeting Terance James Bond at a Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) charity event in 1982. Mr and Mrs Groves had purchased a painting at the event, and this sparked an enduring friendship between the family and the artist.

Lot 212 - estimate £500 - £1,000

Following this meeting, the Groves family would go on to purchase a series of works directly from the artist, which were kept in the function room at the family home. As the family now prepares to downsize and relocate, the collection is coming available at auction.

Terance James Bond was born in Suffolk, England, in September 1946 and remained closely connected to the region throughout his life. He grew up on a farm near Sudbury and later lived at Little Paddock in Wickerstreet Green, Kersey, which is a picturesque hamlet in Suffolk.

Patricia Cross, Associate at Cheffins comments:

“Each piece showcases Bond’s trademark precision, his love of wildlife, and the exquisite detail for which he is celebrated - from lifelike foliage and bark to evocative portrayals of Britain’s avian life. His deep appreciation for the local landscape and wildlife clearly influenced his work, which often featured British birds in their natural habitats. His Suffolk roots weren’t just a backdrop; they were a source of inspiration. He even transformed the land around his home into a haven for wildlife, which became a living studio for many of his paintings”

Lot 218 - estimate £300 - £500

Highlights of the collection include a study of a bald eagle in a snow-covered landscape which has an estimate of £500 - £1,000, a study of a long-eared owl which is set to sell for £300 - £500 and another study of a great grey owl which carries the same estimate. Also within the collection is a series of studies of British songbirds and birds of prey.

For further information contact the Fine Art Department on 01223 213343, fine.art@cheffins.co.uk