Chris Manley was a multi-talented British artist, author, and Associate of the Royal British Society of Sculptors (ARBS) (He passed in 2024)

He was known for his intricate wildlife sculptures carved from wood and cast in bronze. He is uniquely celebrated for blending his rigorous background as a lepidopteran (moth and butterfly) specialist with fine art

Manley’s sculptures focused heavily on the natural world, accurately capturing the fluid forms of birds, insects, and coastal wildlife. His work frequently depicted native and extinct British wildlife, ranging from stylised birds like dodos and penguins to marine life

Whilst he worked with fine woods to carve smooth, organic forms, his wood carvings often served as the foundation for his highly sought-after cold-painted and cast bronze works.

His sculptures occasionally feature through premier art platforms and fine art auction houses

Whilst not signed by Chris Manley and without any specific provenance other than this piece came from the same collection of a Chris Manley enthusiast, this piece is a 1990's carved Hippo crafted from Burr Wood. 

The quality of the carving does suggest heavily this piece was from the same artist as the other Manley pieces I am selling, but I am unable to confirm that is the case.

Undamaged and a real quality piece.