Tom Hunter
Flesherton, Ontario
Bird Carver
A few years ago, at an auction, I bought the two carvings shown here. I actually bought several others on the same day but the Red-tailed Hawk and the American Woodcock are my favourites. These works were created by Tom Hunter of Flesherton, ON and I have been able to find very little about him. Some of his carvings were recently auctioned in New England so it would appear that his work spread beyond southern Ontario. If anyone has any knowledge of this fine carver I would be happy to hear from them.
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Hi I have several bird carvings by Tom Hunter. All but one which I was lucky enough to find in Coombs BC, were purchased directly from Tom himself. I knew both Tom & his wife when we lived not too far from them when they lived in Flesherton and we lived just south on Hwy. 10. He was a very nice man. He would get the skins(that's what he called them) of the birds from the ROM and follow them to carve them with such realism. I first saw his birds at a show called the Split Rail Festival and I soon started to buy them. I still have all them.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for taking the time to leave your comment. You are very lucky to have several carvings by this fellow. I am sure that you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
ReplyDeleteTom Hunter was married to my mother's cousin Betty. I knew him as Uncle Tommy. After he died, I purchased a female Mallard from his estate, and it still has a prominent place in our home. I recall that the government of Canada once commissioned him to do a piece to be given to Queen Elizabeth, but I don't know what occasion it was -- probably in the 1960s. He was truly gifted, and I am delighted to see his talent being recognized. His daughter still lives in the Flesherton area.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for this information, Diane. It's lovely to hear of your personal connection to Tom Hunter. I know how much I cherish my carvings so they must be even more precious to you.
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