Pair of Engravings after James Pollard, "Phenomenon" & "Cheshire Pile", Framed

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Seller: tgdiggins ✉️ (1,165) 100%, Location: Padiham, GB, Ships to: GB & many other countries, Item: 285740750157 Pair of Engravings after James Pollard, "Phenomenon" & "Cheshire Pile", Framed.

If you are a fan of cockfighting, or simply appreciate the beauty and fierceness of these feathered warriors, you will love this pair of hand coloured steel engravings after James Pollard, depicting portraits of cockfighting cockerels. These prints are rare and exquisite examples of Pollard’s work, who was one of the most renowned artists of the 19th century.

James Pollard (1792-1867) was an English painter and engraver who specialized in hunting, naval, and coaching scenes. He was the son and pupil of Robert Pollard, an engraver and publisher who also taught him the art of aquatint, a technique that produces rich and vibrant colours. James Pollard worked for his father’s publishing house, R. Pollard & Sons, and produced many popular prints that depicted the various coaches, mail coaches, and stagecoaches that travelled across Britain in the early 1800s. He also painted some of the most famous incidents involving these vehicles, such as the lioness attacking the Exeter mail coach in 18162, or the mail coach in a thunderstorm on the Newmarket road in 18272. His prints are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of coaching history.

However, Pollard was not only interested in coaching scenes. He also had a passion for cockfighting, a sport that was very popular and widespread in Britain until it was banned in 1849. Pollard painted many portraits of famous cockerels that were bred and trained for fighting. He captured their distinctive features, colours, and expressions with remarkable skill and accuracy. He also showed their personalities and temperaments, as well as their injuries and scars from previous battles. His cockfighting prints are rare and valuable, as they document a sport that is now illegal and controversial.

The two prints offered here are reproductions of two of Pollard’s original paintings, titled “Phenomenon” and “The Cheshire Pile”. They were published by Venture Prints Ltd in the 1970s, a company that specialized in high-quality reproductions of antique prints. The prints are hand coloured on steel plates, using the same process as the original aquatints. They measure approximately 9 x 9 inches each, in frames measuring 14 x 16 inches, and are in excellent condition. They show remarkable details and vivid colours that bring to life the portraits of the cockerels.

“Phenomenon” depicts a cockerel named after a famous racehorse that won several races in the early 1800s. The cockerel is a black colour with a red comb and wattles. He looks proud and confident, as he poses for the artist. He has metal spurs attached to his legs, which he uses as a weapon in fights.

“The Cheshire Pile” shows another famous cockerel that was bred in Cheshire, a county known for its cheese production. The cockerel is a brown and white colour with a red comb and wattles. He looks alert and wary, as he stares at the viewer. He also has metal spurs attached to his legs.

These prints are rare examples of James Pollard’s work that have been faithfully reproduced by Venture Prints Ltd. They are ideal for anyone who appreciates the history of cockfighting. They would make a wonderful addition to any home or office decor, or a perfect gift for someone special. Don’t miss this opportunity to own these magnificent prints that celebrate the golden age of cockfighting in Britain!

*Please note that one frame has some cosmetic damage on the bottom edge (see picture).*

  • Condition: Used
  • Artist: James Pollard
  • Image Orientation: Portrait
  • Size: Medium
  • Period: Early 19th Century (1800-1830)
  • Title: Phenomenon
  • Material: Paper
  • Framing: Framed
  • Original/Licensed Reprint: Licensed Reprint
  • Region of Origin: Bristol
  • Subject: Cockerel
  • Type: Print
  • Item Height: 16 in
  • Theme: Cockfighting
  • Features: Hand Tinted
  • Production Technique: Steel Engraving
  • Country/Region of Manufacture: United Kingdom
  • Item Width: 14 in
  • Handmade: Yes
  • Time Period Produced: 1970-1979

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