Brian Mills – Master Wood Carver and Artist

One of the great pleasures of being involved with Thomas Turner is the opportunity to handle and enjoy the many beautiful items that pass through our doors. One such treasure is sitting on my coffee table as I write this: a superb 31.5lb carp carved by the late Brian Mills, a much-loved artist whose lifelike fish carvings earned admiration far beyond angling circles.

This remarkable carving captures the subtle curves, colours, and quiet power of the carp he studied so closely. The carving almost seems to stir with life. Carved from three pieces of mahogany and finished with exquisite precision, it is admired by everyone who visits. The fish itself was caught by Norman Smith in September 1992 at Stapleford Park Lake; at 31lb 8oz, it was considered a giant for its day.

Many of Brian’s carvings are now held safely in private collections, which makes us feel especially privileged to have acquired this one. It is not currently for sale, but we are delighted to share it and to celebrate Brian’s remarkable talent.

Alongside his impressive body of carvings, Brian was also renowned for his highly detailed pencil drawings of fish. His illustrations have appeared in numerous fishing books over the years, and two framed examples can be seen below.

We are fortunate to hold a number of Brian’s original pencil drawings, in large sizes  all ready for framing. You can browse the collection here:

https://www.thomasturner.com/shop/brian-mills-original-signed-fish-drawings/

Scroll through to view the different species—each is exceptional value for an original work of art.