One of the world's most valuable books goes on display in Glasgow
Two volumes of John James Audubon's Birds of America, considered one of the world's most valuable books, are on public display in Glasgow for the first time in a dedicated exhibition. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, which has owned the rare first-edition volumes since 1838, is showcasing the life-size, hand-coloured bird illustrations with free admission. The exhibition highlights both the artistic significance of the work and the complex historical context, including its ties to slavery and colonialism.
- ▪Two first-edition volumes of Birds of America by John James Audubon are on display at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow.
- ▪The college purchased the volumes in 1838 for £48, equivalent to a skilled labourer's annual wage at the time.
- ▪Each page measures 3ft by 2ft and features hand-coloured, life-size illustrations of North American bird species from the early 19th century.
- ▪Only one plate can be displayed at a time due to the book's large size and fragility.
- ▪The exhibition acknowledges the contributions of enslaved and Indigenous people to the creation of the book and its connection to systemic harm.
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One of the world's most valuable books goes on display in Glasgow4 hours agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMarta LeshykJamie Simpson/Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of GlasgowTwo volumes of Birds of America by John James Audubon are going on display in GlasgowAn exhibition spotlighting one of the world's most valuable rare books has opened in Glasgow.Two volumes of Birds of America by John James Audubon are on show to the public at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG), which has owned the art treasures for two centuries.The college purchased the two first-edition volumes in 1838 for £48, equivalent to the annual wages of a skilled labourer at the time.There are thought to be just 120 complete volumes known to have existed and a library in Liverpool…
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