2026 Autumn Welsh Sale (Part I): Auctioneers' Choices

At Rogers Jones, we are fortunate to be able to claim, for our Welsh Sale, what is, in my opinion, the pre-eminent wildlife artist of the twentieth century. Renowned for his evocative depictions of British birds and wildlife, Charles Tunnicliffe spent much of his life on Anglesey, drawing endless inspiration from its rich natural environment.

It was, in fact, his neighbour and friend, Kyffin Williams, who persuaded the characteristically modest artist to stage an exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1974, where his work received widespread acclaim. Another important influence was the great American ornithological artist John James Audubon, whose celebrated Birds of America reflected a similar passion for nature, observation, and long walks in the countryside.

In 1991, Oriel Môn was established on Anglesey to house the significant collection of Tunnicliffe's works acquired by Anglesey Borough Council from Christie's a decade earlier. Kyffin Williams was a regular visitor to the gallery, and in 2011 the twentieth anniversary of its foundation was marked by the joint exhibition Island Inspiration, a fitting celebration of the artistic legacy of both Tunnicliffe and Williams.

The goosander, is a relatively scarce winter visitor to Anglesey, although it is more commonly encountered on the Welsh mainland, where thriving breeding populations inhabit fast-flowing upland rivers. In winter months, goosanders move to Anglesey's larger inland lakes, reservoirs, and coastal lagoons, where they hunt for fish in deeper waters. As with so much of Tunnicliffe's work, the picture demonstrates his profound understanding of both the appearance and behaviour of his avian subjects, captured with remarkable accuracy and sensitivity.

This painting puts a big smile on my face.

I’m sure that we can all recall a ‘Good Day Out’ whether as a child or more recently with family or friends.

This painting is full of narrative. The late arrival of the cyclist, a child feasting upon a strawberry tart whilst a lone individual with binoculars spots something of interest out at sea.

The composition in this painting works well, filling the canvas completely. The bold use of colour defines the artist’s intentions, evoking the bright light and radiant heat of the summer sun on an idyllic summer’s day on the coast.

It’s that time of year again (well, third time this year actually) when I get asked to pick one lot out as my choice for the Welsh Sales Part 1 & 2.

For Part One, I initially narrowed it down to two, a Mary Jones watercolour and crayon, and a Harry Holland oil on panel. But then I saw Lot 291, Wilf Roberts oil on canvas entitled ‘Sunset on the Straits’.

Executed in the Ynys Mon artist’s trademark style of thickly layered paints, and the use of vivid colours against a more sombre background.

This is an almost Turneresque view of the Menai Straits, and it’s on fire!

There is so much to enjoy about this wonderful painting by one of my favourite Welsh artists. The vivid blues, greens and oranges flash and remind me of the optical effect a diamond produces as it returns the refracted spectral light to the eye, known as ‘fire’. 

The mind wonders what else will be discovered on the other side of the path leaving the viewer contemplating endlessly different versions of ‘The Poet’s Garden’. A real joy and a painting that I would never tire of looking at.

Part I of our Autumn Welsh Sale takes place on Sunday 22nd November 2026 at our Cardiff saleroom.

Browse the full Welsh Sale (Part I) catalogue.