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Thomas Varty Collection

Thomas Varty was a renowned artist in the mid-19th century, known for his incredible sculptures of various animals

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Whale, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Whale, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Whale, c1850. Around the main illustration of harpooning a whale and the whalers being tossed from their boat are vignettes of the uses to which the whale was put after the carcass had been cut

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Dog, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Dog, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Dog, c1850. The central image shows a typical collie sheepdog. Surrounding vignettes show (clockwise from top left): the shepherds companion

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Swan, Goose and Duck, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Swan, Goose and Duck, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Swan, Goose and Duck, c1850. The central image is of the three different birds. Surrounding vignettes show (clockwise from top left)

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Pig, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Pig, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Pig, c1850. The central image shows a sow and piglets. Surrounding vignettes show (clockwise from top left): a swineherd with pigs in a forest to eat acorns

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Elephant, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Elephant, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Elephant, c1850. The central image shows the Indian elephant in front and African elephant behind. Surrounding vignettes show (clockwise from top left)

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: Crustacea and Reptiles, c1850. Artist: Robert Kent Thomas

Crustacea and Reptiles, c1850. Artist: Robert Kent Thomas
Crustacea and Reptiles, c1850. The central image shows a lobster, crab, turtle, scallops, whelks and prawns, cowrie shells, lobster and crab pots and shrimping nets

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: Domestic Fowl, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

Domestic Fowl, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
Domestic Fowl, c1850. The central image shows a cockerel, hens and chicks. Surrounding vignettes show (clockwise from top left)

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Bee, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Bee, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Bee, c1851. The central image shows bee skeps and plants on which bees forage, and Indian, American and South European bees

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Goat, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Goat, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Goat, c1850. The central image is of a goat and kid. Surrounding vignettes show (clockwise from top left): milking goats for milk and cheese; an Eastern goatherd

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Ass, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Ass, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Ass, c1850. The central image shows the ass or donkey (Equus asinus). Surrounding vignettes show animals (clockwise from top left)

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Rein Deer, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Rein Deer, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Rein Deer, c1850. The Lapps (Samek or Samer), nomadic herdsmen of the Arctic from the Kola peninsula to northwest Sweden whose traditional way of life depended on their herds of semi-domesticated

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Camel, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Camel, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Camel, c1850. The central image shows the Arabian Camel or Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) with a single hump, and the Asian or Bactrian Camel (Camelus bactrianus) with two humps

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Hare and the Rabbit, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins

The Hare and the Rabbit, c1850. Artist: Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins
The Hare and the Rabbit, c1850. The central image shows wild and domesticted rabbits. Surrounding vignettes show (clockwise from top left)

Background imageThomas Varty Collection: The Sheep, c1850. Artist: Day & Haghe

The Sheep, c1850. Artist: Day & Haghe
The Sheep, c1850. The central image is of sheep of the Black Faced breed. Surrounding vignettes show (clockwise from top left)


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Thomas Varty was a renowned artist in the mid-19th century, known for his incredible sculptures of various animals. His works, such as "The Whale" and "The Elephant, " showcased his exceptional talent and attention to detail. Collaborating with fellow artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins on projects like "The Dog, " "The Swan, Goose and Duck, " and "The Pig, " Varty's contributions were invaluable. One cannot help but be amazed by Varty's ability to capture the essence of each animal he sculpted. From the intricate details of crustaceans and reptiles in collaboration with Robert Kent Thomas to the graceful beauty of domestic fowl depicted alongside Hawkins, every piece tells a story. Varty's sculptures were not limited to land creatures; he also brought life to creatures from distant lands. The majestic presence of "The Camel" and the gentle nature of "The Rein Deer" are testaments to his artistic prowess. Additionally, his depiction of lesser-known animals like "The Bee" or even everyday ones like "The Goat" or "The Ass" showcases his versatility. In an era when photography was still in its infancy, Varty's sculptures allowed people to marvel at these magnificent creatures up close. Each sculpture is a testament not only to their respective artists but also serves as a reminder that art has always been instrumental in connecting us with nature. Today, we can admire Thomas Varty's legacy through these timeless sculptures that continue to inspire awe and wonderment among all who encounter them.