The Old Print Shop

Cross Bills. 1 M. 2 F. Plate 53.

  • ARTIST: Prideaux John Selby

  • PUBLISHER: Published by Archibald Constable & Co. and Hurst Robinson & Co. London.

  • MEDIUM: Etching and engraving, handcolored,

    DATE: 1821-1834.

  • EDITION SIZE: Paper size 25 1/8 x 20 7/16" (63.8 x 51.9 cm).

  • DESCRIPTION: From, Selby's ILLUSTRATIONS OF BRITISH ORNITHOLOGY, published between 1821 and 1833. This major work was etched/engraved by Selby, mostly after his own drawings, with the assistance of his brother-in-law Captain Robert Mitford. In 1816 Mitford was taught to etch and engrave by Thomas Bewick in Newcastle; he then taught Selby at Twizell House. Two volumes of text appeared, "Land Birds" in 1825 (revised in 1833) and "Water Birds" in 1833.

  • ADDITIONAL INFO: Watermark in paper "J Whatman 1826."

  • CONDITION: Good condition with full original color.

  • REFERENCE: Sitwell, Fine Bird Books 1700-1900. p.141 Selby.