Audubon at Illinois
January 30 - May 24, 2009
Krannert Art Museum, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Audubon at Illinois highlights selected prints from John James Audubon’s acclaimed Birds of America (1827-1835), held by The Rare Book & Manuscript Library at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The birds represented in the exhibition reflect the diversity of avian species that have been found in Illinois, ranging from the ubiquitous Cardinal to the now-extinct Carolina Parrot. The selection of 24 prints was chosen from the 435 engraved and hand-colored plates that comprise the original double elephant folio edition of Audubon’s masterpiece.
The University Library is fortunate to own a complete set of Birds of America — one of only 120 known remaining sets. The four massive leather-bound volumes were purchased from the Brooks School in North Andover, Massachusetts in 1948 and housed in The Rare Book & Manuscript Library. They were badly in need of restoration, however, and successful fundraising efforts by the Library Friends enabled each of the plates to be professionally restored. The extensive project was completed in 1988. This exhibit provides a rare opportunity to view a selection of these original prints and to celebrate Audubon’s legacy in Illinois.
Jo Kibbee, Guest Curator
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