John James Audubon’s Birds of America is a landmark work in ornithological illustration, first published between 1827 and 1838. It is renowned for the life-sized prints that detail nearly 435 species of American birds, making it a treasure trove for both art enthusiasts and bird lovers.
In December 1936, Elizabeth Bingham Blossom generously donated over 200 of these exquisite prints from Birds of America to our University. In her heartfelt note to President Leutner, she expressed her hope that these works would benefit the University and extended her warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas. We are deeply grateful to Mrs. Blossom for her generous gift, which enriches our cultural and educational tapestry and continues to inspire curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.
The plates on display are celebrated for their meticulous detail and vibrant representation of North American bird species. Audubon's work remains a quintessential blend of artistry and scientific observation, capturing the splendor and diversity of birdlife. This summer, we are featuring depictions of waterfowl, including the Eider Duck, King Duck, Great White Heron, and Goosander.
They will be on display through mid-September in the Hatch Reading Room at Kelvin Smith Library, open Monday through Friday from 10am to 4:30pm. Read more about Kelvin Smith Library’s Special Collections here.