1st Edition Engraving of a Widgeon - History of British Birds by Morris/Fawcett

Description: First edition antique engraving of a "Wigeon" by the Rev. Francis Orpen Morris - Benjamin Fawcett - Alexander Francis Lydon - A History of British Birds - Published by Groombridge and Sons, London, 1851-1857: a 358 full-page illustrated series of books with fully engraved, hand-coloured plates. This Wigeon engraving is believed to be from the First Edition, First Issue, which came in 6 volumes. Only the first edition sets were fully hand coloured, this is where the background paper is darker than the remaining plate colour. In later editions the backgrounds were not coloured in this way and remained "white" in colour with only the birds and parts of the foreground/background of what was to appear in the image where hand coloured. Also, the font lettering in the earlier editions are different than that of the later editions. The antique engraving itself is in good condition, however, there appears to be a white spot in the upper left area near the frame, though not sure what it is, i.e., did it happen when first printed? Or appeared over a period of time. To be honest, not sure what it is, other than perhaps a kind of white-foxing is there is such a thing! "Newly" mounted and framed circa the late 1990s, in a glazed, wooden gold gilt frame that may have some small chips and marks, though ready to hang and enjoy. Frame size: 39.5cm x 35cm Exposed engraving size: 19cm 13.5cm. When we say "signed" it means "the title" of the subject has been printed as well. We are listing others of this type, some are first editions, and some later; Steller's Western Duck, Fulmar, Siskin, Peregrine, Buzzard, and the Little Dotterel. If any experts out there think we have made any errors to our listings, i.e., you know the precise volume this engraving comes from, or other information, please get in touch. A History of British Birds was entirely printed and bound in the small North Country village of Driffield, Fawcett’s residence and shop, and shipped in tea chests to London. It was a resounding success. Work on A History of British Birds probably began in 1848. Publication, which took over seven years to complete from June 1850, was undertaken in monthly parts costing one shilling. Each part contained 24 pages of letterpress and 4 hand-coloured plates. The final six-volume work contained 358 coloured plates. One thousand copies of the first part were initially produced, but such was the demand that Fawcett quickly had to move into larger premises. The inspiration for Francis Orpen Morris' A History of British Birds actually came from the renowned English printer, Benjamin Fawcett, who approached Morris to write the text when Morris became Vicar of Nafferton. Morris had a reputation as a popular writer on natural history in general and birds in particular. His first book, Guide to an Arrangement of British Birds, had appeared as early as 1834. However, his association with Benjamin Fawcett was to have remarkable results, particularly for the study of ornithology. Alexander Francis Lydon was one of Fawcett’s principal engravers, contributing much in technique and design. A team of women colourists under very strict scrutiny first from Fawcett, then his wife (a former colourist herself) hand coloured each plate.Morris became an early advocate for conservation and was instrumental in founding the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds. Various editions of A History of British Birds were published from circa 1851 to circa 1903. All were published with the hand-colouring and font of the time. [References include Fine Bird Books, p125 & Benjamin Fawcett, p 77.]

Price: 125 GBP

Location: BRISTOL

End Time: 2025-01-12T20:14:45.000Z

Shipping Cost: 37.72 GBP