The popular ornithological painter, regarded as second only to Archibald Thorburn (1860-1935), is known especially for his birds of prey which form the subjects of his most commercial works.
The box, carved with Lodge’s name and including his palette and brushes, came from the estate of the late Robert Coombes (1902-88), author of the 1952 book Mountain Birds, featuring illustrations by Lodge. Estimated at a cautious £100-150, it sparked a bidding tussle between two phones and the internet on April 21, selling to the latter at £3000.
The same source also yielded two small watercolour gouaches by Lodge: Red stags and hinds in Highland landscape and White-tailed sea eagle observing wildfowl. With each measuring around 7 x 10in (17 x 25cm), the duo got away above their guides at £420 apiece.
