Type: Figurine
Original/Licensed Reproduction: Original
Production Technique: Cast & Hand Painted
Style: Wildlife / Nature
Date of Creation: 1993
Features: Artist Designed, Model WB96, Wooden Base
Subject: Tawny Owl & Owlet
Region of Origin: United Kingdom
Material: Resin / Artist’s Cast on Wooden Plinth
Size: Approx. 11 cm tall
A beautifully detailed wildlife study depicting a protective tawny owl perched beside its young owlet — a quiet, tender woodland moment frozen in sculptural form.
The feather texturing is finely executed, with warm amber and cream tones bringing depth and realism. The piece is mounted on its original wooden base and stands approximately 11 cm tall.
The composition captures that exact moment before the owlet’s first brave attempt — gentle, observant, and full of character.
This figurine forms part of The Russell Willis Collection, produced by Chiltern in Great Britain.
Russell Willis is a British wildlife sculptor known for naturalistic, emotionally expressive animal studies during the late 20th century. His owl studies in particular became popular among countryside collectors in the early 1990s.
The underside confirms:
Collection: The Russell Willis Collection
Manufacturer: Chiltern
Model Number: WB96
Title: Learning to Fly (Tawny Owl & Owlet)
Made in Great Britain
Dated 1993 (incised mark visible)
Chiltern produced a number of high-quality British wildlife figurines during this period, often comparable in style to Border Fine Arts but typically in a more accessible collector range.
• Expressive dark glass-effect eyes
• Highly textured feather sculpting
• Woodland base with moss detail
• Mounted on polished wooden plinth
• Official titled model WB96
The warmth of the colour palette makes this piece particularly display-friendly.
Height: Approx. 11 cm
Very good vintage condition.
No chips, cracks, or repairs observed.
Minor surface wear to the underside label consistent with age.
Displays beautifully.
Carefully wrapped, securely boxed, and sent fully tracked and insured.
Eco-conscious packaging used wherever possible.
A lovely British wildlife piece with gentle narrative charm — ideal for owl collectors, countryside décor lovers, or Russell Willis enthusiasts.
Tawny owls are Britain’s most widespread owl species, and their iconic “twit-twoo” call is actually made by two different owls — the female and the male responding to one another.
russell willis owl figurine, chiltern owl ornament, learning to fly wb96, tawny owl and owlet sculpture, british wildlife figurine 1993, made in great britain owl, vintage countryside décor, owl collector gift, wooden base wildlife statue