Beyond the Water's Surface

Beyond the Water's Surface

Exploring the Unique Paintings Inspired by the TV Program River Monsters

Discover the captivating world of Phil Cole's artistry as we unveil his collection of stunning depictions of the diverse creatures from the renowned series 'River Monsters', showcased in our highly-anticipated Sporting Art, Wildlife & Dogs Sale on 6 June. 

12 May 2023

For 9 seasons, fans around the world were gripped by the adventures of Jeremy Wade in ‘River Monsters’, as he travelled the rivers of the globe in search of the most formidable fresh and saltwater killers. Described as the 'greatest angling explorer of his generation', he delivers a jaw-dropping blend of adventure, natural history, legend and detective work. Fisherman’s tales like you've never heard before, these are the stories of the ones that didn't get away ...

Phil Coles (contemporary) 'Prehistoric Terror', Sailfish; 'The Mutilator', Pacu; 'Alaskan Horror', White Sturgeon; 'Death Down Under', Tiger Shark (£300-500)

Phil Coles (contemporary) 'Prehistoric Terror', Sailfish; 'The Mutilator', Pacu; 'Alaskan Horror', White Sturgeon; 'Death Down Under', Tiger Shark (£300-500)

For Wade, fish are an obsession. In a quest that has taken him from the Amazon to the Congo, and from North America to the mountains of India, he has pursued the truth about these elusive creatures. Along the way he's been arrested for spying, survived a plane crash, battled cerebral malaria and endured a fish-inflicted blow to the chest that permanently scarred his heart, all in search of what lies beneath.

Phil Coles (contemporary) 'Death Down Under', Box Jellyfish; (£300-500)

Phil Coles (contemporary) 'Death Down Under', Box Jellyfish; (£300-500)

During the third series, natural history artist Phil Cole was commissioned to create the graphic representation of each species of the weird and wonderful aquatic creatures Jeremy Wade discovered in each episode of his RIVER MONSTERS escapades across the globe.  Now, after 9 series, 40 countries and some 60 episodes this collection pays testament to the bad, beautiful and bizarre beasts Wade has dedicated his extraordinary life to finding – and in so doing highlighting the fragility of their continued existence.

Phil Coles (contemporary) 'Razorhead', Barracuda; 'Electric Executioner', Electric Eel;, 'Chainsaw Predator', Freshwater Sawfish; 'Terror in Paradise', Octopus; (£300-500)

Phil Coles (contemporary) 'Razorhead', Barracuda; 'Electric Executioner', Electric Eel;, 'Chainsaw Predator', Freshwater Sawfish; 'Terror in Paradise', Octopus; (£300-500)

Phil Coles studied a combined biology and art degree, originally intending to pursue a career in natural history illustration, but instead found his place in the wildlife film making industry as a producer/director. Through both his work and recreation he’s had the privilege to visit many parts of the globe and seen a spectacular diversity of wildlife, memories he carries home and tries to share through his artwork which remains a true passion. He has produced a large volume of work as an illustrator, and continues to be active in television and art, with wildlife the true passion at the core of both.

Sworders are delighted to present for sale Phil Cole’s pictures, direct from Icon Films, each signed on the back by Jeremy Wade. Divided into 14 separate lots, the works display the huge variety in the species that Wade investigated during the programs, from the green anaconda to the yellow fin tuna, they are all remarkable and fearsome monsters.  

 

 

To view all the lots in this collection click here. 


To view the full catalogue for our 6 June Sporting Art, Wildlife & Dogs Sale click here.

For further information please contact Jane Oakley | janeoakley@sworder.co.uk 

 

 


 

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