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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

 

The author’s copy of this collection of volumes 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.

These 17 volumes were the author’s copies and includes 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.

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.