AUTHORS  FRANCIS MORRIS BENJAMIN FAWCETT

ARTIST FAWCETT

PRINT SIZE 6.5X10 MATT SIZE 10 X 14__________

.Each print measures approximately 6 1/2 inches by 10 inches.

We are delighted to offer these hand colored woodblock engravings from Francis Orpen Morris, A History of British Birds published in 1858. The title British Birds is quite a stretch as it features birds from Siberia to Japan!

The inspiration for this book actually came from the renowned English printer, Benjamin Fawcett, who approached Morris to write the text when Morris became Vicar of Nafferton.

The desirability of this work and its survival in such pristine condition is due to the superb skills and techniques of Fawcett, which are now largely lost. He selected, ground, and mixed his inks with the utmost care. Only heavy paper stock of the finest quality was used, often imported from France. This paper has seen little deterioration with almost no foxing and it retains its fine ivory color and sheen.

It is interesting to note that while the text is full of references to bird shoots, Morris became an early advocate for conservation and was instrumental in founding the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. References include Fine Bird Books, p125 & Benjamin Fawcett, p 77.

The condition of the plates is excellent, with high quality, heavy, gilt-edged paper and almost no foxing as can be seen by the photos. The prints have a very lightly-tinted background. Each print measures approximately 6 1/2 inches by 10 inches. The descriptive chapter about the relevant bird is included with the print. The photos are very accurate, so please review carefully. All our prints are authentic antique prints and guaranteed to be from the date stated. These prints are over 140 years old.