The Old Print Shop

Razor Bill. 1. Summer Plumage. 2. Winter Do. (Lesser Auk) Plate 83.

  • ARTIST: Prideaux John Selby

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

  • MEDIUM: Etching and engraving hand-colored,

    DATE: 1821-1834.

  • EDITION SIZE: Paper size 20 1/2 x 25 1/16" (52.4 x 63.7 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: On Whatman Turkey Mill 1826 paper.

  • CONDITION: Good condition with original color.

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