Ken Wood 1936 - 1992
Kenneth James Wood was a popular nature artist who was especially known for his detailed gouache paintings of birds. He first exhibited with the Society of Wildlife Artists in 1972 and was elected to full membership in 1974. Ken joined the Council in 1981 and became Society’s Secretary the following year, a position he held until 1991.
Ken was an expert falconer, a member of the British Falconers’ Club, and it was perhaps his portrayal of raptors that brought his name to the fore in the 1970’s. His eye-catching depiction of a male sparrowhawk at his plucking post, used by the RSPB as the cover of Birds magazine in 1972, was not only a memorable design for its accuracy and naturalistic imagery but for the reaction from the RSPB membership — greatly admired by most, it also garnered some letters of complaint, something that both amused and bemused the artist.
Ken was taken ill whilst hawking with his beloved birds. He was diagnosed with cancer and died shortly afterwards. At the time of his death Robert Gillmor described Ken as ‘devoted to Society and served it with great distinction. The best of companions, Ken was always full of good humour and the sound commonsense that was so valuable to SWLA affairs. Birds of prey were his great love and he brought the falconer’s intimate knowledge and understanding to his art.’