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Henry Dresser: A History of the Birds of Europe

Life

Natural Science collections provide a treasure trove of information about the life on our planet, vital for understanding and protecting biodiversity. 

Henry Dresser’s nineteenth century anthology ‘A History of the Birds of Europe’ took 13 years to complete and drew together the latest knowledge on the subject.  Many of its illustrations were based on preserved bird skins now held at Manchester Museum.

 

Today these books and birds provide a historic record that helps us to understand how and why bird populations have changed over time.

This collection of books is deemed a “national treasure” for its scientific and artistic value. Purchased jointly by the John Rylands Library and Manchester Museum, they continue to support the study of life on earth.

The author's copy of

 

‘A History of the Birds of Europe’

 

by Henry Eeles Dresser

 

These 17 volumes were the author’s copies and include original, hand-coloured plates. They also contain handwritten notes to artists on colouring and composition, and additional images that were never released. Dresser’s attention to detail, relationships with artists and innovative approaches to printmaking play out in the margins.

The artists featured are a who’s who of notable scientific illustrators of the time including John Gerrard Keulemans, Joseph Wolf, Archibald Thorburn and Edward Neale.

Henry Dresser

Henry Eeles Dresser (1838-1915) was one of the most important ornithologists (people who study birds) of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. His books combined new scientific information with masterpieces of bird illustration. ‘A History of the Birds of Europe’ is widely thought of as his most important work.

But Dresser’s legacy is also a complex one. His work took place within the context of the British Empire and he used his position of wealth and power to amass huge collections of bird skins and eggs from across the world. This practice of mass collection had a negative impact on animals, people and the environment.

A "national treasure"

 

The author’s copy of this anthology shows the creative and scientific processes behind the landmark publication. It offers a rich resource for the history of ornithology, the visual representation of birdlife, and publishing in 19th century Britain.

The Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest recognised the volumes as a “national treasure” and recommended a temporary export bar to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), giving UK buyers time to raise the funds to buy them.

The books were purchased by The University of Manchester with support from Art Fund, the Arts Council England / V&A Purchase Grant Fund and Friends of the Nations’ Libraries. A selection of volumes are on display here at Manchester Museum, and all will be made available to consult at the John Rylands Library. This partnership brings together the Museum’s expertise in natural science with the Library’s world-class rare book holdings, alongside a shared commitment to research and public engagement. The purchase ensures this invaluable resource remains in the UK for future generations.

With thanks to the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, DCMS and Arts Council England.

A scientific resource

Henry Dresser, a leading 19th century ornithologist, played a crucial role in documenting and illustrating bird species from across Europe and beyond.

This publication includes species such as the Slender-billed curlew, now believed to be extinct. A recent paper published by the Natural History Museum, Naturalis, the RSPB and BirdLife International confirms, through extensive surveys, verified historical sightings and museum specimen evidence, that the species has likely disappeared. The first known global bird extinction from mainland Europe, North Africa and West Asia.

Its presence in both Dresser’s beautifully annotated volumes and the ornithological collections of Manchester Museum highlights the vital role historical records play in tracking biodiversity loss over time and understanding the long-term impact of environmental change.

“Threats to the natural world and biodiversity have never been greater and while this anthology has historical value, it also speaks to the urgent issues of the present. These books are breathtakingly beautiful and, by bringing them together with natural history collections, we believe they will not only provide scientific benefit but also capture the hearts of future ornithologists and conservationists.”

Esme Ward, Director of Manchester Museum

 

“Henry Eeles Dresser (1838-1915) was one of the most significant and influential ornithologists of the late 19th and early 20th centuries – a producer of beautiful books which combined new scientific information with masterpieces of bird illustration, and a leading figure in scientific society. A History of the Birds of Europe is widely regarded as his most important work.”

Christopher Pressler, University Librarian and Director of The John Rylands Library

 

“The Arts Council England/V&A Purchase Grant Fund supports the purchase of a wide range of material for the permanent collections of non-nationally funded organisations in England and Wales. We are delighted that A History of the Birds of Europe has been acquired by The University of Manchester on behalf of two of its Cultural Institutions – Manchester Museum and The John Rylands Library. It will benefit researchers and audiences for years to come.”

Leanne Manfredi, National Programmes Lead at the Victoria and Albert Museum