Object corner

This carving of an owl was made by Charles Humphriss, who lived and worked in Warwick from 1835-1927. He was one of a group of gifted craftsmen who worked in the Warwick area in the 19th and early 20th centuries. They are known as the ‘Warwickshire Woodcarvers’.

At the age of 15, Charles Humphriss began work as an apprentice in the studio of James Morris Willcox. There, he met another talented young carver, Thomas Henry Kendall. Kendall took over the Willcox studio in 1859, and Charles became his foreman.

The carving of the owl was made c.1862, when Charles was 27. It was exhibited at the International Exhibition, where it was admired by the Prince of Wales.

This carving of an owl is made from limewood. Lime is usually chosen by woodcarvers because it is soft and easy to work on, with a mellow grain and few knots.

Pictured is a detail of the owl woodcarving, showing the fine craftsmanship. This is shown particularly well by on the mouse, and curling ivy leaves.

Charles worked on many of the major commissions undertaken by the Kendall workshop. These included the panels in the House of Commons dining room.

Charles Humphriss worked for Kendall until his retirement. He died in 1927.