HERRING GULL OLD

Artist: Prideaux John Selby
Price: £395.00
Publisher: Prideaux John Selby
Publication Date: Circa 1826, printed on Whatman paper with watermark for 1826.
Format: Original hand-coloured etching
Condition: Very minor marks to the plate surface and very minor creasing. In very good indeed condition overall with bright hand-colouring.
Sheet Size: 66.1 cm x 52.3 cm
Series: From ‘Illustrations Of British Ornithology’

This exquisite original hand-coloured etching from Prideaux John Selby’s magnificent work, ‘Illustrations Of British Ornithology,’ produced between 1821 and 1824, showcases the ‘Herring Gull Old’ in stunning detail. The artwork exhibits the meticulous detail and vibrant use of colour that define Selby’s work, making it a desirable piece for both art collectors and ornithological enthusiasts. Very minor marks to the plate surface and age toning. In very good indeed condition overall with bright hand-colouring. Location: Map Drawer A: 001588

Prideaux John Selby: A Short Biography

Prideaux John Selby (1788–1867) was a distinguished British naturalist, ornithologist, and artist known for his significant contributions to the study of British birds. He is most renowned for his detailed and artistic illustrations of birds, which remain influential in the field of ornithology. Here’s a detailed overview of his life and work:

Early Life and Background:

• Birth: Prideaux John Selby was born on July 23, 1788, in Alnwick, Northumberland, England, into a well-to-do family. He was educated at University College, Oxford, where he developed a strong interest in natural history, particularly botany and ornithology.

Career and Contributions:

• Natural History Interests: Selby had a wide range of interests in natural history, but he is best remembered for his work in ornithology. His estate in Northumberland provided him with ample opportunities to study and observe wildlife, particularly birds.
• Illustration and Publication:
  • “Illustrations of British Ornithology” (1821–1834): Selby’s most famous work, Illustrations of British Ornithology, was a monumental two-volume set that featured life-sized, hand-coloured illustrations of British birds. The illustrations were noted for their accuracy, detail, and artistic quality. This work is often compared to John James Audubon’s The Birds of America for its scale and importance.
  • Selby’s illustrations were unique because he often depicted birds in their natural settings, showing not only the birds themselves but also the plants and landscapes of their habitats. This approach helped set a new standard for ornithological illustration.
• Other Works: In addition to his work on birds, Selby also contributed to other natural history publications and was involved in the production of The Naturalist’s Library, edited by William Jardine. He wrote the volumes on pigeons and game birds for this series.

Legacy and Impact:

• Influence on Ornithology: Selby’s work was highly regarded by his contemporaries and has continued to be valued by ornithologists and collectors. His meticulous attention to detail and his artistic talent made his illustrations an invaluable resource for the study of British birds.
• Conservation and Education: Although Selby was primarily known for his illustrations, his work also contributed to the early conservation movement by raising awareness of the diversity and beauty of British wildlife. His illustrations were used in educational contexts and helped to foster a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Personal Life:

• Family and Estate: Selby lived much of his life at Twizell House, his family’s estate in Northumberland. He was deeply involved in the management of his estate, which included extensive woodlands that he used for his studies.
• Death: Prideaux John Selby passed away on March 27, 1867, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost British naturalists and bird illustrators of the 19th century.

Collectability and Historical Significance:

• Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology remains a highly sought-after work by collectors of natural history books. Original prints from this collection are considered valuable both for their scientific significance and their artistic merit.
• His contributions are often highlighted in the history of ornithology, alongside figures like John James Audubon and Thomas Bewick, illustrating the importance of combining art with science to advance understanding and appreciation of nature.

Prideaux John Selby’s legacy continues to be celebrated by both ornithologists and art historians, reflecting the enduring impact of his work on the study and appreciation of birdlife in Britain.

Herring Gull: A Short Description

The Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) is a large and widely recognized seabird species known for its adaptability and omnivorous diet. This species belongs to the family Laridae and is commonly found across coastal regions of Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. Here’s a detailed description of the species:

Physical Appearance:

• Size: The Herring Gull is a sizable bird, measuring about 55–66 cm (21.7–26 inches) in length, with a wingspan of 125–155 cm (49–61 inches). It typically weighs between 800 to 1,250 grams (1.8 to 2.8 pounds), with females generally being slightly smaller than males.
• Plumage:
  • Overall Colouration: The Herring Gull has a striking appearance with its clean white head, neck, and underparts, contrasted by grey upper wings and back. The wing tips are black with white spots, and the tail is white.
  • Beak and Legs: The beak is robust and yellow, with a distinctive red spot near the tip of the lower mandible, which is a key feature for identifying the species. The legs are pink, adding to the bird’s distinctive look.
  • Eyes: The gull has pale yellow eyes with a red orbital ring, giving it a keen and alert expression.

Habitat:

• Breeding Habitat: The Herring Gull breeds on coastal cliffs, islands, and even rooftops in urban areas. It prefers sites that are near the sea, with a wide range of nesting environments from rocky outcrops to grassy areas.
• Wintering Habitat: During the winter, Herring Gulls can be found inland as well as along coasts, frequenting harbors, beaches, landfills, and agricultural fields.

Behaviour:

• Feeding:
  • The Herring Gull is an opportunistic feeder, with a diet that includes fish, invertebrates, eggs, small mammals, and even carrion. It is also known for scavenging human food waste, often seen foraging in landfills and urban areas.
  • This gull employs various feeding strategies, from stealing food from other birds (kleptoparasitism) to dropping hard-shelled prey from heights to break them open.
• Flight:
  • The Herring Gull has a powerful and steady flight, characterized by slow, deliberate wingbeats. It often soars and glides with minimal effort, using thermal currents to stay aloft.

Breeding:

• Nesting: The Herring Gull typically nests in colonies, building nests made of grass, seaweed, and other materials. These nests are usually placed on the ground, though they can also be found on buildings and cliffs.
• Reproduction: The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 28–30 days. The chicks are semi-precocial, leaving the nest shortly after hatching but staying close to their parents for protection and feeding.

Conservation Status:

• The Herring Gull is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. It is a common and widespread species, although some populations have declined due to changes in food availability, pollution, and human disturbance.

Distribution:

• Breeding Range: The Herring Gull breeds across a broad range, including the coasts of Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. It is particularly common in the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the north-eastern United States.
• Wintering Range: Many Herring Gulls are migratory, moving to warmer coastal areas during the winter. They are often found along the coasts of the Mediterranean, the southern United States, and Central America.

Vocalisation:

• The Herring Gull is known for its loud and varied calls, often described as raucous “kee-yah” or “laughing” sounds. These vocalizations are used for communication within colonies, particularly during the breeding season and when defending territory.

The Herring Gull is a robust and adaptable species, known for its presence in a wide variety of environments. Its striking plumage, versatile diet, and loud calls make it a familiar sight and sound in coastal regions around the world.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of rare etchings is meticulously curated to ensure that each piece is both a valuable and authentic addition to your collection. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every etching is thoroughly researched and verified for authenticity.
• Expert Curation: We select each piece with an eye for historical significance, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of original hand-coloured etchings by Prideaux John Selby. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.