William Shirriffs - Partridge in a Pear Tree (1966)

William Shirriffs – Partridge in a Pear Tree, 1966 – Gouache Painting

A charming and highly decorative mid-century gouache by William Shirriffs, signed and dated 1966. The work depicts a white partridge perched within a stylised pear tree, set against a deep black ground filled with patterned leaves, white blossom-like forms, and delicate starry detailing.

The subject immediately recalls the familiar Christmas carol line, “a partridge in a pear tree,” but the treatment is far from conventional. Rather than a naturalistic bird study, Shirriffs gives the image a strong folk-art and illustrative quality, with flat areas of colour, rhythmic patterning, and a wonderfully graphic sense of design. The contrast between the white bird, green foliage, warm brown branches, and dark background gives the piece real decorative presence.

Painted in 1966, it sits well within the broader taste for bold mid-century design and would make an attractive seasonal display piece, while remaining visually strong enough to hang year-round. It is presented under glass in an ornate frame which appears to be gilt beneath a later layer of white paint, giving it a bright decorative finish that suits the composition well.

Details

Artist: William Shirriffs
Title: Partridge in a Pear Tree
Date: 1966
Medium: Gouache
Signature: Signed and dated lower centre
Unframed Size: 60 x 45 cm
Framed Size: 68 x 53 cm
Frame: Ornate gilt frame with white paint applied over the surface, glazed
Condition: Presented under glass and not examined out of the frame. There are a few very small flecks visible between the glass and the painted surface, but these are minor and barely noticeable in normal display. The frame has some age-related wear, but remains in good overall condition and is very presentable. Please see photographs for condition and appearance.