Tunnicliffe was born near Macclesfield, Cheshire and was a noted animal and bird painter, illustrator and engraver. He won a scholarship to Macclesfield School of Art, then Manchester School of Art, 1915-21, preceding a Royal Exhibition Scholarship to the Royal College of Art in 1921. A prolific illustrator throughout his life, he is best associated with his work for Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter, 1932. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, Fine Art Society, Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers and elsewhere and was elected a member of the Royal Academy in 1954. Works by him are in many public collections including the British Museum, National Library of Wales and Manchester City Art Gallery.