PORTRAIT OF A COUNTRY ARTIST: CHARLES TUNNICLIFFE R.A. 1901-1979. By Ian Niall.

(1980) 1980 Book Club edition. 4to (212 x 286mm). Pp160. Colour plates and illustrations throughout, bibliography. Brown boards, spine titled in gilt.

This is the biography of Charles Tunnicliffe, Cheshire farmer's son and artist. Educated at the Royal College of Art, he achieved early success as an etcher and wood-engraver, illustrating many books by authors such as Henry Williamson, Alison Uttley and Negley Farson. His own books include My Country Book, Mereside Chronicle and Shorelands Summer Diary. Away from the book trade, Tunnicliffe was a wildlife artist of major importance, deservedly famous for his treatment of birds as a subject. This biography, by Tunnicliffe's friend Ian Niall, gives a detailed and affectionate account of his life and career, illustrated with a well chosen selection of his work from all stages of his career. Well informed, readable and splendidly illustrated.