A new exhibition opens this weekend at Liverpool Central Library to mark the bicentenary of naturalist John James Audubon's visit to the city in 1826. The exhibition, titled 200 Years of Birds of America, traces Audubon's journey to Liverpool, where he arrived to raise money for subscriptions for his landmark publication, completed in 1828.

The Birds of America is now one of the most valuable publications in the world. Liverpool Central Library holds a complete four-volume set, with one volume on permanent display in a temperature-controlled glass case. Pages are turned frequently to preserve the book. An interactive kiosk allows visitors to view the contents close-up without damaging the original.

What the Exhibition Includes

The exhibition draws on material from Liverpool's Archive and Special Collections, alongside loans from the Victoria Gallery & Museum and National Museums Liverpool. Items on display include original sketches by Audubon, including a self-portrait, original bird specimens shot and preserved by Audubon himself, and original letters from Audubon and notable Liverpool families.

The exhibition also features reproductions of original Catlin sketches of Native American people held in Liverpool Central Library's special collections, and an extremely rare taxidermy Passenger Pigeon on loan from the World Museum. The Passenger Pigeon is now extinct.

A Balanced Historical Account

The exhibition addresses Audubon's personal story and the intricate processes behind the volumes' creation. It also explores what curators describe as the darker side of Audubon's life, including the desecration of Native American graves and his use of enslaved people.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: "The story behind the creation of the Birds of America book is absolutely fascinating and part of Liverpool's history. Despite his incredible achievements, in more recent years there has been evidence of a darker side to John James Audubon, which is also explored."

Historic Survival During the Blitz

The library's Birds of America volumes were rescued by librarian Reginald Biotelli when Liverpool Central Library was bombed during World War Two. More recently, the book featured in a plotline in the BBC comedy Small Prophets earlier this year.

Exhibition Details

200 Years of Birds of America opens Saturday 10 October at Hornby Library, Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, L3 8EW. Entry is free. The exhibition runs until February 2027.