Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6
Arthur WardleStudy of two collies
$7,586.52
£5,500
€6,479.61
CA$10,420.83
A$11,587.36
CHF 6,066.19
MX$141,541.80
NOK 76,227.70
SEK 71,707.42
DKK 48,369.81
About the Item
Arthur Wardle (1864–1949)
Study of two collies
signed and inscribed 'Arthur Wardle to G.H.Proctor Esq' (upper right)
Oil on board
Painting size 16 x 13 in
Framed size 19 x 16 in
Provenance
The Collection of Charlie Watts
Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his profound affection for animals, particularly Collies. He and his wife, Shirley, resided at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed a stud farm for Arabian horses. Their estate was also home to numerous dogs, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare.
Arthur Wardle (1864–1949) was one of Britain’s most beloved animal painters, best known for his spirited and sensitive portrayals of dogs—especially terriers. His work beautifully captured not only the form and features of his subjects, but also their personality, making him a favourite among dog lovers, breeders, and collectors alike.
Largely self-taught, Wardle had his first painting accepted by the Royal Academy when he was just sixteen, an early sign of his remarkable talent. Over the decades, he became a regular exhibitor there and at other major institutions, showing over 100 works at the Royal Academy alone.
Wardle’s deep understanding of animals came from close observation. He sketched extensively at London Zoo and attended dog shows to study different breeds. This attention to detail helped him become one of the leading canine portraitists of his time, with a reputation for capturing each dog’s unique character. His most famous work, The Totteridge XI (1897), is a striking group portrait of eleven smooth fox terriers, commissioned by the breeder Francis Redmond. Today, it hangs in the Kennel Club Gallery in London and is widely regarded as a landmark in dog portraiture.
While dogs were his specialty, Wardle’s range extended far beyond them. He painted big cats, polar bears, and even exotic scenes, drawing from sketches made at the zoo. His work in oils, pastels, and watercolours was admired for its technical skill and lively expression. In fact, his pastels became so well regarded that he was elected to the Pastel Society in 1911, and later to the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours.
During his lifetime, Wardle’s paintings reached a broad audience—not only through gallery exhibitions but also via prints, postcards, calendars, and even cigarette cards. More than 250 of his dog portraits were reproduced, making his work instantly recognisable across Britain and beyond.
Arthur Wardle painted animals with both affection and precision. Whether it was a wiry terrier, a stately lion, or a pair of playful spaniels, he gave his subjects a quiet dignity and sense of presence. Today, his work continues to charm collectors and animal lovers, and his legacy endures as one of the finest animal artists of the late Victorian and Edwardian periods.
- Creator:Arthur Wardle (1864-1949, British)
- Dimensions:Height: 19 in (48.26 cm)Width: 16 in (40.64 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Stoke, GB
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU446316648272
Arthur Wardle
Arthur Wardle was a British artist and animalier painter. His prolific oeuvre focused on his fascination with dogs of various breeds, creating rich, naturalistic paintings of domestic pets and hunting animals captured in moments of lifelike movement. His work is characterized by its high degree of realism and is representative of the 19th-century interest in detailed artistic representations of animals. Born in 1860 in London, England, Wardle notably began exhibiting his work at age 16 at the Royal Academy. He began his career by sketching cattle near the Thames river, and would frequently depict exotic wildlife by studying them at the London Zoo and then transposing them onto local landscapes. Wardle was widely appreciated and acclaimed for his paintings, garnering inclusion among the Pastel Society in 1911 and the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1922. Wardle died on July 16, 1949, in London, England, and his legacy lives on through his images' reproduction on commercial products like chocolate boxes, posters, calendars, and postcards. Today, the artist’s work can be found amongst the collections of the London-based Tate Modern, Leeds City Museum and The Kennel Club.
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2016
184 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
Associations
LAPADA - The Association of Arts & Antiques DealersInternational Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' AssociationsThe British Antique Dealers' Association
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Andover, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllStudy of a collie
By Thomas Sidney Cooper
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Thomas Sidney Cooper C.V.O., R.A. (1803-1902)
Study of a collie
Oil on canvas
Canvas Size 21 x 28 in
Framed Size 27 x 34 in
Provenance
with Lane Fine Art, London;
The Collection of ...
Category
19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
Collies in a landscape
By John Emms
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
John Emms (1841-1912)
Collies in a landscape
Oil on canvas
signed and dated 'JNO EMMS/ 86.' (lower left)
Canvas Size - 30 x 25 in
Framed Size - 36 x 31 in
Provenance
Anonymous sale; Sotheby's, New York, 9 June 1995, lot 186.
with Malcolm Innes Gallery, London;
The Collection of Charlie Watts.
Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his profound affection for animals, particularly Collies. He and his wife, Shirley, resided at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed a stud farm for Arabian horses. Their estate was also home to numerous dogs, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare.
John Emms was a British artist best known for his dynamic and characterful paintings of dogs, especially working breeds like foxhounds, terriers, and collies. Born in Blofield, Norfolk, in 1843, Emms developed a deep connection to the countryside and rural life, which became the heart of his artistic inspiration.
While he painted horses and hunting scenes, it was his dog portraits that brought him enduring recognition. Emms had a remarkable ability to capture the individuality and spirit of each animal, portraying them not just as pets or working animals, but as noble and expressive beings. His brushwork was confident and lively, and he often painted dogs with a sense of pride, intelligence, and dignity.
Among the many breeds he painted, collies held a special place. Emms portrayed them with great sensitivity, often emphasizing their alert expressions, soft coats, and loyal nature. His collie paintings...
Category
19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
'Laddie', a collie
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Robert L. Alexander R.S.A., R.S.W. (1840- 1923)
'Laddie', a collie
Signed with initials and inscribed 'R.A. / LADDIE' (lower left)
Oil on canvas
Canvas Size - 24 x 39 in
Framed Size ...
Category
19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Faithful companions" - Collies in a Highland loch landscape
By Wright Barker
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Wright Barker R.B.A. (1864-1941)
"Faithful companions" - Collies in a Highland loch landscape
signed and dated 'Wright Barker/ 1898' (lower right)
Oil on canvas
Canvas Size - 36 x 48...
Category
19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
"Bobs" a collie
By John Emms
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
John Emms (1841-1912)
"Bobs", a collie
Oil on canvas
Signed and dated 1901 lower right
Inscribed 'Bobs' lower centre
Canvas Size - 24 x 30 in
Framed Size - 31 x 36 1/2 in
Provenance
The Collection of Charlie Watts.
Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of The Rolling Stones, was renowned not only for his musical prowess but also for his profound affection for animals, particularly Collies. He and his wife, Shirley, resided at Halsdon Manor in Devon, where they managed a stud farm for Arabian horses. Their estate was also home to numerous dogs, reflecting their deep commitment to animal welfare.
John Emms was a British artist best known for his dynamic and characterful paintings of dogs, especially working breeds like foxhounds, terriers, and collies. Born in Blofield, Norfolk, in 1843, Emms developed a deep connection to the countryside and rural life, which became the heart of his artistic inspiration.
While he painted horses and hunting scenes, it was his dog portraits that brought him enduring recognition. Emms had a remarkable ability to capture the individuality and spirit of each animal, portraying them not just as pets or working animals, but as noble and expressive beings. His brushwork was confident and lively, and he often painted dogs with a sense of pride, intelligence, and dignity.
Among the many breeds he painted, collies held a special place. Emms portrayed them with great sensitivity, often emphasizing their alert expressions, soft coats, and loyal nature. His collie paintings...
Category
19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
A collie lying down
Located in Stoke, Hampshire
Charles Edward Stewart (fl. 1887-1938)
A collie lying down
signed 'C.E. Stewart' (lower right)
Oil on canvas
Canvas Size 28 x 36 in
Framed Size 35 x 43 in
Provenance
with Ross Hamil...
Category
19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
You May Also Like
Setters
By Arthur Wardle
Located in Belgravia, London, London
Oil on canvas
Canvas size: 18.25 x 14.25 inches
Framed size: 23.75 x 19.75 inches
Signed lower right
Category
19th Century Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$23,242
An English Gordon Setter and A Rough Haired Collie by Arthur Wardle 1864-1949
Located in London, GB
An English Gordon Setter and A Rough Haired Collie by Arthur Wardle 1864-1949
Oil on Canvas Each
51cm by 39cm
Arthur Wardle was a British artist and animalier painter. His proli...
Category
Antique Late 19th Century English Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Paint
Vigilance, Loyalty & Devotion - 19th Century Oil Painting Society Beauty & Dogs
By Arthur Wardle
Located in Gerrards Cross, GB
‘Vigilance, Loyalty, and Devotion’ by Arthur Wardle R.B.C. R.I. (1864-1949).
Academy Fine Paintings is fully conversant with the latest US Government import duties and the legal exe...
Category
Late 19th Century Pre-Raphaelite Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
19th Century English Victorian Portrait of Two Dogs in a Field Oil Painting
Located in Cirencester, Gloucestershire
Portrait of Two Dogs
English artist, mid 19th century
oil on canvas, unframed
Canvas: 18 x 14 inches
Provenance: Private collection, England
Condition: The painting is in good condit...
Category
Mid-19th Century Victorian Animal Paintings
Materials
Oil
Portrait Of "Honey & Napoleon", A Pair Of English Springer Spaniels, circa 1910
Located in Blackwater, GB
Portrait Of "Honey & Napoleon", A Pair Of English Springer Spaniels, circa 1910
by John Murray Thomson (1885-1974)
Large early 20t Century p...
Category
Early 19th Century Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$3,200 Sale Price
20% Off
Early 20th century Hungarian portrait of a terrier dog and her puppy in oils
Located in Woodbury, CT
Gabrielle Rainer Istvanffy was a Hungarian painter of animal paintings.
Her chosen subjects were mostly dogs and cats and mostly white and off-white breeds. This piece is a very pretty and cute painting...
Category
1920s Impressionist Animal Paintings
Materials
Canvas, Oil
$3,160 Sale Price
20% Off
Free Shipping