The Thief. Framed Late 20th Century Pastel Artwork By Welsh Artist Julian Ruddock B.1965. Symbolist & Expressionist Artistic Styles.

Item details

Height

97.5 cm

Width

76.0 cm

Wear conditions Wear conditions

Good

Signed by artist
This item has been confirmed as being signed by artist by the seller. Please reach out to the seller for more information.

Included

Wear conditions

Excellent

Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.

Good

May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.

Average

Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.

Apparent Wear and Tear

Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.

Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.

Description

Julian Ruddock.
British ( b.1965 ).
The Thief.
Pastel On Paper.
Signed Lower Left.
Image size 29.1 inches x 21.3 inches ( 74cm x 54cm ).
Frame size 38.4 inches x 29.9 inches ( 97.5cm x 76cm ).

Available for sale from Big Sky Fine Art in the English county of Dorset, this original pastel artwork is by Julian Ruddock and dates from the 1990s.
The artwork is presented and supplied in a sympathetic contemporary frame (which is shown in these photographs), mounted using conservation materials and behind non-reflective Tru Vue UltraVue® UV70 glass.
This vintage artwork is in very good condition, commensurate with its age. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.
The artwork is signed lower left.

Currently living and working near Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, on the west coast of Wales, Julian Ruddock is an exceptional British artist with a strong interest in the environment. This interest has found expression through the practice of landscape painting and the production of site-specific sculpture, mapping projects and installation work. He is interested in the production of works that investigate the interaction of natural environment with human histories, in particular the discourse on environmental art based practice and climate change. Indeed, this was the subject of his PhD at Aberystwyth University. Ruddock’s interest is to combine traditional means and modern media to foster awareness, enquiry and expression of the environment.

Ruddock completed a Foundation Course at the University of Gloucestershire from 1985-86. In 1997, he graduated from Aberystwyth University with a First Class Honours Degree, BA in Art and Art History. He went on the complete his MA in Fine Art at Aberystwyth, then his PGCE at the University of Newport. Between 2010-17 he completed a PhD at the Aberystwyth University School of Art.

Between his studies, he has been employed as a Lecturer in Art and Art History at Coleg Ceredigion, previously teaching at Lifelong Learning, and the Aberystwyth School of Art. As a teacher and mentor he has been well respected and highly influential.

Throughout his career Ruddock has also worked as a self-employed artist and has taken part in a great many selected exhibitions throughout the UK, and also Australia.

Ruddock’s PhD was in practice-based Fine Art and the aim of his research was to develop projects that are based on art and science collaboration in relation to climate chance. This has taken him from rivers in Wales to the remote and arid regions of Southern Ethiopia.
The intentions of the art/science collaborations stem from an interest in landscape evolution, human impact on the environment and recognition of the need to communicate climate change research to a wider audience.

Recent years have seen increased collaboration between the sciences and arts, with conferences, galleries and residencies devoted to exploiting the mutual benefits that can arise from mingling the two
Spheres. Ruddock has been an active member of the Visualising Geomorphology Working Group, whose remit is the promote the science of geomorphology through engagement with the arts.

Recently, Ruddock joined a delegation of earth scientist to Ethiopia to record their research on climate change. The work centered around a remote region of Southern Ethiopia where the researchers collected sediment drill cores for analysis close to some of the world’s most important fossil and artefact sites. His role as part of the team was of an artist in residence and his images and film work played an important part in chronicling the work of the project. He also captured fascinating imagery of the local tribes people.

Ruddock said; “My biggest remit is to work with the scientists and get involved with the communication of their findings. The idea behind it all is that scientists are very good at doing the science, obviously, but it is artists who are good at the communication side. The project is looking at how climate might have affected human evolution hundreds of thousands of years ago. They think that there are various factors that
might have caused human change and human evolution at various points in history, and think that climate was a significant part of that.”

Ruddock reflects; “When we talk about climate change in the West we talk about where these effects are going to happen; actually they are happening in the places that didn’t cause the problem in the first place. So these people are getting increased droughts.”

An amazingly talented artist, with sound practical and academic credentials, Julian Ruddock is a man on a mission. His works are unique, and speak from both the head and heart. They are set to become very collectable amongst a generation that is waking up to their message.

© Big Sky Fine Art

This original pastel drawing is a stunning image. It depicts a couple on a grassy bank, the man is in a sitting position, crouched over his bent legs. He is supposed to be on watch, the guardian, but he is weary and has fallen asleep. His eyes are closed and his mouth is open. Beneath him is a woman, lying on the ground. She has a large egg on her stomach, which she is protecting with her hands. She is resting, but she cannot asleep. Her eyes are open and she looks cautiously upwards, frightened. Perched on the back of the sleeping male is a large bird, a Magpie. The bird’s sharp claws are on the man’s bare skin and it is poised to steel the egg. The background is a swirl of darkness and bleakness, all but the light of a half moon, illuminating a small cottage on a distant hill. Perhaps that is their home. The whole image is dark and somewhat menacing; we sense that this is a serious piece with a message. The message is of course a matter for individual interpretation, but this seems to be a warning about the dangers of not being alert and losing something precious to an imposter!

We provide a professional shipping and delivery service which is free to customers in the UK, Europe, USA and Canada. We can also provide other worldwide delivery on any purchase. Please contact us for further information.

Condition report:

Very Good.
This vintage drawing is in very good condition, commensurate with its age. It wants for nothing and is supplied ready to hang and display.

Additional dimensions information:

Image size 29.1 inches x 21.3 inches ( 74cm x 54cm ). Frame size 38.4 inches x 29.9 inches ( 97.5cm x 76cm ).

Material
Manufactured
1990s
Origin
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Item location
Sutton Poyntz, Dorset , United Kingdom
Period
Late 20th Century
Brand
Unknown
Condition
Used

Cancellations

We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.

Returns

We have a 14-day return guarantee for orders from individual sellers, within the UK and European Union. View full policy.

When you purchase a painting, we will make arrangements to deliver the painting to your required destination. There is no charge for packaging and delivery to the UK, Europe, USA or Canada.
We will take care of insurance too at no extra cost to you.

We will process your order after your payment is completed and have it ready for dispatch with 3 working days. Transit times within the UK are reliably 1-2 days. Transit times within mainland Europe are 2 to 7 days. Transit times to the USA are 3 to 7 days.

We will also arrange delivery elsewhere in the rest of the world for a modest charge, this will depend on the location and the size of the painting and the type of shipping necessary. You can enquire how much this will be prior to placing an order.

Delivery is by professional courier and paintings are carefully packaged according to their particular attributes.

We may offer a personal delivery service for some areas within the UK, by prior arrangement and enquiries as to this are welcome.

Estimated delivery time

Less than one week

Free collection available

Yes

The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team and price match guarantee, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
Sustainable choice
Choosing pre-owned is better for the planet

Choose a Wishlist

You can add this item to an existing wishlist or create a new wishlist

Create Wishlist

Give your wishlist a memorable name such as "remarkable sideboards"
Professional
5.0 / 5
Located in Sutton Poyntz, Dorset, United Kingdom
  • Selling at Vinterior since 2021
  • Ships from Sutton Poyntz, Dorset, United Kingdom

Seller Reviews

    Catherine 29 May 2023
    This purchase was a 100% good experience. Beautiful artwork, exactly as described, packed efficiently and delivered within a couple of days. Thank you to the team!
    Verified purchase:Thomas Rathmell The Sofa, 1962. Modern British. Interior Figurative Scene. Natural Patina. Oil On Canvas. Framed.
    Listing image

    Verified Purchase

    Listing image
    Thomas Rathmell The Sofa, 1962. Modern British. Interior Figurative Scene. Natural Patina. Oil On Canvas. Framed.

Cancellations and Returns

Last updated: 24th March 2025

We want everybody’s Vinterior experience to be seamless, so both buyers and sellers can fall in love with pre-loved. We designed our Terms of sale to treat everybody fairly.

However, sometimes things don’t go exactly to plan, and you may need to cancel or return an order.

To prevent this, we encourage you to check listings, photos and descriptions carefully before you buy. If you aren’t sure about a piece’s condition, size, provenance or shipping, just ask; click Contact seller to get in touch. Always contact your seller first if you have any queries, at any point in your purchase.

Our buyers receive the same protection when buying from all our sellers, both professional and verified.

Can I cancel an order?

There are many reasons why you might need to cancel an order, and you'll often be entitled to a refund. To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.

If you cancel your order before it has been dispatched, you will receive a full refund - including delivery costs. However, if your item has been shipped, delivery costs will not be included in your refund.

Please note: orders of bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.

Can I return an order?

We understand that sometimes a piece isn’t the perfect fit. So if you no longer want your order, our returns process will ensure it finds a new home fast.

The Vinterior Guarantee included with your purchase entitles you to 14-day returns - allowing you to return any item within 14 days of the delivery date (except in specific circumstances, detailed below).

You can return your order if...

It isn't what you expected

If what arrives isn’t what you ordered, you can open a return. Just send us some photo evidence that the listing was inaccurate, misleading or misrepresented your purchased piece, and you’ll receive a refund.

You change your mind

If you don’t feel a piece is right for your space, you can return it. Once you request a change of mind return, you’ll be responsible for shipping the piece back to your seller as soon as possible. Delivery costs are non-refundable.

It's damaged in transit

In the rare event that an item arrives damaged or defective, you have a full 30 days from the date of delivery to return it for a full refund.

If your purchase arrives broken, always let us know. If Proovia delivered the piece, we can raise an insurance claim on the seller’s behalf. Or, the seller can raise a claim with their chosen courier.

What can't I return?

Just as there are some orders you can’t cancel, there are some you cant return, too. Personalised, bespoke or made-to-order pieces are non-returnable, and non-refundable. Sellers may also reject your return if the item has been altered in any way.

Please note: pieces on our site are pre-loved, not new. They may show some wear and tear; this is not sufficient grounds for a refund, unless the seller has misrepresented the item’s condition.

Lastly, neither Vinterior nor our sellers are liable for any damages or loss sustained in transit via third parties.

I'm eligible for a return. Now what?

To initiate a return, log into your Vinterior account, then go to the relevant order page and click Create a return. In the return request, be sure to include all the details: the reason for your return, an in-depth description, and photos of any issues or damage.

How will I receive my refund?

Once the seller confirms they’ve received the item (in the same condition it was sent), we will send your refund to your original payment method.

All items are inspected on return. If the seller receives the return with damage they don’t recognise, we will not be able to process your refund and the seller may need to send the piece back to you. You will be required to cover these delivery costs.

Successfully added to cart

0 items

Total

£0.00


Log in or register to continue

Forgot password?

Why Vinterior?

Sustainability
Choosing pre-loved is better for the planet and we'll plant a tree for every order.
Quality
Verified sellers and curated listings help you find one-of-a-kind pieces, built to last.
Ready to ship
Cut out the long lead times by buying and selling furniture already in circulation.
Door to door delivery
Send and receive with ease using our integrated delivery partner, or arrange the most convenient option with your seller.
Customer service
Direct access to our excellent customer service team, throughout your purchase or sale.
Vinterior guarantee
Buy and sell confidently with our price-match guarantee, 14-day return guarantee and free cancellation.

Price match guarantee

If you find the same item listed at a lower price (including delivery) elsewhere, we'll match it for you.

For further policy details click here.

Why buy on Vinterior?
  • 14-day return guarantee
  • Top customer service
  • 100% secure payment

How it works

  1. Send a screenshot of the item from the other website with date and time visible.
  2. Send us the link of the item on Vinterior and on the other website.
  3. We'll check that it's the same item from the same seller.
  4. If eligible, Vinterior matches the price.
Request a price match

Hassle free returns

At Vinterior, we understand that sometimes a piece may not be the perfect fit once it's in your home.

That's why we offer a 14-day return policy, allowing you to return any item within 14 days from the date of delivery for any reason.

How it works

  1. Log in to your Vinterior account and navigate to the order page to begin the return process.
  2. Click on "Create a return" and select the item you wish to return from your order history.
  3. Include the reason for the return and attach photos of any damage if the item is faulty.
  4. Submit the return request, and our team will review it before processing your return and refund.
  5. Our team will support you through the return. Providing expert guidance on packing, courier recommendations, and help manage any queries through the process.
View Return Policy