Ken Harris Black Duck Decoy..

Vince Pagliaroli

Well-known member





Have been taking decoys down off the viewing shelf to dust. Thought I'd show this one. Bill and neck repair long ago by past caretaker, OP. Collected Black Duck decoys that I could afford years ago. Still enjoy them.




Ken Harris Black Duck (2).JPGKen Harris Black Duck (4).JPGKen Harris Black Duck (5).JPGKen Harris Black Duck (6).JPGKen Harris Black Duck (1).JPG
 


Thanks Geoff.

The late great Leo McIntosh worked for Ken Harris, and in my mind I like to think that Leo painted this decoy. Unfortunately with his early demise I never not to ask him. IMO Leo was one of the Best Ever.


Best regards
Vince
 
Vince~


Indeed! Long ago I got to meet - a judge with - Leo at the U S National. His birds stood out for their softness and subtlety. I wish I had gotten to know him. We could all learn from him.


And whether that fine Black Duck was painted by Ken or Leo, it's a stunner!


All the best,


SJS





 


Steve,

First time I saw Leo's work was at the Ohio show in the 80's. I was stunned, like some other carvers of that time he was on another planet, his work is So Good. You name it and Leo could carve and paint it with Class & Style. A Master Artist.

On a long August road trip to Clayton, NY I believe in 1998. I drove by Leo's home and shop, saw his sign out front. Said out loud "We should stop." Nope, said "Mabbe another time". I have few regrets in this life, and not stopping is one of them.

We have lived in the modern Golden Age of Decoys, walked among giants...


Best regards
Vince
 


Capt. John,

A fellow artist and carver used to attend the Clayton Decoy Show in the 80's when it was The Place To Be. He would return with wooden baskets full of Ken Harris decoys. He would hunt over them, and then take them to other shows to sell as he saw fit. That was the first time I became aware of Ken Harris decoys. The decoy I am caretaker of I got at a Bourne Auction in the 80's, and to this day enjoy it. The man and his crew made a helluva good decoy.


Best regards
Vince
 
Back
Top