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'Tarka' artist plates at auction

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20th February, 2008

BBC News Wales, UK

Copper plates and wood carvings by renowned wildlife artist Charles Tunnicliffe have raised over £15,000 at auction.

The rare items, by the artist who lived and worked on Anglesey all reached or exceeded their estimates.

The plates included images for Henry Williamson's famous book 'Tarka the otter'.

Council-owned Oriel Ynys Mon on Anglesey has a comprehensive collection of Tunnicliffe work and artefacts.

Auctioneer Stephen Sparrow from auctioneers Peter Wilson in Nantwich, Cheshire said there had been a lot of interest from both private collectors and galleries.

"It was very well received and all the items either met the top end of their estimates or exceeded them," he said.

"Prices ranged but the Tarka in burrow went for more than its estimate at £1,600.

"Swallows over pool woodblock also did well.

"There were five phone lines on all the lots although I'm not sure where the items will be going," he added.

Ian Jones, museums officer at Oriel Ynys Mon, said the collection on Anglesey was currently around 500 items.

"When we put our wooden blocks on show we dust them lightly with talc, it makes them easier to see, and does not do them any harm," he said.