James W Minns (c.1828-1904), James W Minns (c.1828-1904), 'Robin and cherries', signed and dated 'J. W. Minns Norwich,1888', with original labels to the reverse inscribed '1st Prize, Winter's Art Exhibition, Derby, 1888', wood carving, 27 x 22cm, in a gilt mount and glazed ebonised frame, together with a similar example, unsigned, 20 x 21cm wide, in a glazed and ebonised frame (2) Provenance: The residual contents of Bixley Manor by instruction of the executors of Sir Timothy Colman KG. James Minns, sculptor, carver and woodcarver, was born in Norwich, Norfolk. He carried out internal wood carving, in Jacobean style, to the staircase, panelling and chimneypieces at Carrow House, Norwich. Built by Jeremiah James Colman (1830-1898) between 1860 and 1861, this was the family home of the Colman family until the 1880s, when the house became offices for Colman's Mustard works. Minns has also been credited with designing the original bull's head emblem for Colman's Mustard that is still used today, and his works can be found in Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery, and Strangers Hall, Norwich, Norfolk. Condition Report: Signed: frame size 34 x 29.5cm. Very good condition, no chips or breakages. Good colour to velvet ground. Unsigned: frame size 38.5 x 35cm. There is a circular patch to the velvet ground, unclear whether this is wear or residue from the wood. One leaf to the bottom left corner appears to have been repaired at some point.