SHEFFIELD.- A remarkable collection of rarely-seen 18th and 19th century bird illustrations has taken flight as part of a new exhibition debuting at Sheffield’s Millennium Gallery. Opened on 31 January, The Illustrated Aviary showcases exquisite ornithological studies amassed by the Victorian naturalist Thomas Eyton, many of which have not been displayed for over 30 years. The historical works, which include engravings and hand-coloured lithographs by James John Audubon, Edward Lear, and John and Elizabeth Gould, have been complemented by a new large-scale installation from contemporary artist, Mister Finch.

From the early 1700s to the late 1800s the marvels of scientific discovery captured the public imagination like never before, with expeditions across the globe revealing increasingly exotic species of birds and other wildlife. A number of naturalists saw the opportunity in the public’s interest and drew upon the talents of gifted artists and printmakers to produce beautiful ornithological illustrations. Often bound into exclusive volumes, these painstakingly produced representations became hugely popular with those wealthy enough to afford them.

Throughout the 19th century Thomas Eyton amassed thousands of examples of these bird studies, representing species from around the world as well as those indigenous to the UK. Today, the works offer a unique insight into the ecological vulnerability that Eyton and the scientific community were just beginning to comprehend, with many of the birds depicted now extinct or under threat.

The Illustrated Aviary brings together over 70 key works from the Eyton Collection, which now forms part of the Guild of St George’s Ruskin Collection cared for by Museums Sheffield. Among the examples on show are a selection of ‘double elephant’ sized engravings from John James Audubon’s celebrated Birds of America, luxuriously gilded engravings from Francois Levaillant’s Histoire naturelle des oiseaux de paradis (Natural History of the Birds of Paradise), a number of Edward Lear’s vibrant images for Birds of Europe, and John Gould’s stunning Monograph of the Trochilidae (Hummingbirds). The works have gone on show alongside a range of specimens form the city’s Natural History collection.

The Illustrated Aviary also features a new work by Leeds-based artist Mister Finch, created especially for the exhibition. Finch’s striking textiles works, meticulously hand-crated from vintage fabrics and found materials, find their inspiration in the natural world. This new commission for Museums Sheffield has been produced in response to ornithological studies and specimens found in Sheffield’s collections.

Louise Pullen, Ruskin Curator at Museums Sheffield said: ‘Thomas Eyton’s collection of ornithological studies is almost unparalleled, featuring over 7000 works by hugely gifted artists. These illustrations would have dazzled Georgian and Victorian audiences and their impact remains undiminished today. The Illustrated Aviary brings together some of the real stars of the collection and it’s wonderful to see them inspire Mister Finch’s stunning new creation.’

The Illustrated Aviary opened at the Millennium Gallery on Saturday 31 January and continue until 14 June 2015 – entry to the exhibition is free.