John English

(1852 - 1915) Florence, NJ

Along with John Blair, Sr., John English was one of the first prominent decoy carvers along the Delaware River. The development of the style associated with this area is credited tc English; the English style of carving is synonYmous with the Delaware River style. Lightweight English decoys face forward with narrow heads accented by tack eyes and carved nostrils. Carved wing tips are slightly raised, and tail and back feathers are incised. English nailed broad rectangular weights at or a bit behind midbody. Though many of English’s birds have been repainted by John Dawson, the original patterns are subtle and yield a natural appearance.