Oliver Lawson Whistling Swan

Oliver "Tuts" Lawson (b. 1938) Crisfield, MD, 1985 35 3/4 in. long

Commonly referred to as the "dean of Crisfield carvers," Lawson is the focus on a new exhibit at the Ward Museum titled "Oliver 'Tuts' Lawson: A Retrospective." In a recent "Decoy Magazine" article on the exhibit, the Ward brothers' protégé recalls, "I used to watch, ask questions and learn."

This life-size whistling swan is among Lawson's most grand waterfowl carvings. The huge arching body features deep carving features and a broad paddle tail. In conjunction with the complex form, Lawson has masterfully applied an elegant white-on-white paint pattern for a deep effect. The high head is slightly turned and is finished with fine carving detail. In addition to a species designation, the carving is signed and dated on the bottom of the dense balsa body by the maker. Original paint with light wear, including a slight ding to left side.

Provenance: Private Collection, Virginia

Literature: "Ward Museum presents retrospective on Oliver "Tuts" Lawson," "Decoy Magazine," November/December 2021, p. 20.

Provenance

Private Collection, Virginia