Crested Grebe
- Artist: Michael Warren
- Date: 1974–5
- Medium: Lithograph on paper
- Dimensions: image: 521 x 384 mm
- Museum: Tate Britain
- Collection record: Tate Britain website
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About this artwork
This is the “Crested Grebe” by Michael Warren, created in 1974–5 as a lithograph on paper. The piece measures about 520 × 380 mm and captures a quiet moment on an inland pool. The grebe, a water‑bird known for its distinctive head crest, is shown mid‑swim, with a delicate leaf tucked against its flank. Warren’s line work is precise, giving the bird a sense of lightness while the subtle shading on the water surface suggests depth and calm.
The print was presented to the collection by Curwen Studio through the Institute of Contemporary Prints in 1975, and it now sits in the “Birds” exhibition that runs from 28 July 2025 to 14 June 2026. In the context of the show, the artwork contrasts the natural elegance of the grebe with the human-made medium of lithography, highlighting how contemporary printmaking can capture fleeting wildlife moments.
You’ll notice Warren’s careful use of negative space: the clear sky behind the bird contrasts with the dark pool, drawing the eye to the bird’s graceful outline. It’s a fine example of how a small, detailed print can convey both the beauty of nature and the skill of the artist.
See it in person
Crested Grebe is in the collection of Tate Britain on Millbank, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
