A new exhibition opens this weekend at Liverpool Central Library to mark the bicentenary of The Birds of America author John James Audubon’s visit to Liverpool.
He arrived in the city in 1826 to raise money for subscriptions for the publication of the book, which was completed in 1828 and is now one of the most valuable publications in the world.
Liverpool Central Library has a complete four volume set of the Birds of America, with one volume on permanent display in a temperature-controlled glass case, with its pages turned frequently. Visitors can learn more at an interactive kiosk, allowing readers to view the contents close-up without damaging the original copy.
The book was famously rescued by librarian Reginald Biotelli when the building was bombed during the Blitz in World War Two.
More recently, it was at the centre of a plotline in the BBC comedy Small Prophets earlier this year.
200 Years of Birds of America draws upon a curated selection of material from the city’s Archive and Special Collections, alongside loans from the Victoria Gallery & Museum and National Museums Liverpool.
The new exhibition traces Audubon’s personal story, alongside the intricate processes behind the volumes themselves, including:
- Original sketches by John James Audubon, including a self portrait
- Original specimens of birds shot and preserved by Audubon himself
- Original letters from Audubon and notable Liverpool families
- Reproductions of original Catlin sketches of Native American people that are held in Liverpool Central Library’s special collections
An extremely rare taxidermy Passenger Pigeon, which is now extinct, is on loan from the World Museum and will be on display, alongside other American species.
The exhibition also includes an extremely rare taxidermy, Passenger Pigeon, (a now extinct species) that is on loan from the World Museum and will be on display alongside other American species.
There is also a deep dive into the story and personality of Audubon addressing his more difficult and troubling behaviours including the desecreation of Native American graces and his use of enslaved people.
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, Councillor Harry Doyle, said: “The story behind the creation of the Birds of America book is absolutely fascinating and part of Liverpool’s history.
“We are extremely fortunate to have a copy of this rare book on permanent public display. This exhibition shines a spotlight on how the book came to be created, as well as looking at the man who was behind it.
“Despite his incredible achievements, in more recent years there has been evidence of a darker side to John James Audubon, which is also explored.
“As we approach 200 years since its publication, this is an opportune moment to learn more about it.”
Exhibition details:
• Hornby Library at Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, L3 8EW
• Free Entry
• Saturday 10 Oct until Feb 2027
