Varty Collection

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

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)

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) sitting at sunset, Tiger Canyons Game Reserve, Free State, South Africa

The Whale: Light, perfume, oil, manure, whalebone, food, candles. Hand-coloured lithograph, Thomas Varty, published London c1850. From Graphic Illustrations of Animals and Their Utility to Man

The Elephant: Transport: Food: Ivory: Draught. Hand-coloured lithograph, Thomas Varty, published London c1850. From Graphic Illustrations of Animals and Their Utility to Man

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Discover the whimsical world of 'varty' through the eyes of talented artists Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins and Robert Kent Thomas. Immerse yourself in a bygone era, circa 1850, where these remarkable artists brought to life an array of creatures in their stunning artworks. Behold 'The Whale', a majestic creature captured with intricate detail and grace by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. Let your imagination soar as you envision this magnificent mammal swimming freely in the vast ocean. Next, meet 'The Dog', another masterpiece from Hawkins' collection. With his skilled brushstrokes, he portrays man's loyal companion with such lifelike precision that you can almost hear its playful bark. Continue your journey into nature's realm with 'The Swan, Goose and Duck'. These delicate waterfowl are depicted in all their elegance and charm, showcasing the artist's ability to capture their graceful movements on canvas. Venture further into the animal kingdom with 'The Pig'. This farmyard favorite is portrayed with humor and warmth, reminding us of our connection to these humble creatures that provide sustenance for many. Prepare to be amazed by 'The Elephant', an awe-inspiring creation rendered by none other than Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins himself. Witness every wrinkle and fold on this gentle giant's skin as it stands tall against a backdrop of exotic landscapes. Delve into the world beneath our feet with Robert Kent Thomas' mesmerizing artwork titled 'Crustacea and Reptiles'. Marvel at the intricacy of each tiny creature meticulously painted onto this captivating piece. Shift gears back to domesticity as you admire Hawkins' portrayal of various breeds within his work entitled 'Domestic Fowl'. From proud roosters to fluffy hens, experience farm life through artistry like never before. Nature enthusiasts will delight in gazing upon 'The Bee', buzzing around flowers immortalized on canvas by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins. Appreciate not only the beauty of these pollinators but also their vital role in our ecosystem.