John Selby Art

John Selby (1788 – 1867) was born at Alnwick in Northumberland. He’s best known for his Ornithology Illustrations of British birds which he produced from 1821 to 1834. These were the very first full-size illustrations of British birds. He went ahead and wrote a book titled “Illustrations of Ornithology” and another titled “A History of British Forest-trees” which was published in 1842. He became a renowned English natural history artist, botanist and ornithologist. He graduated from the University College, Oxford. The artist came from a well-to-do family and in 1804, he succeeded to the family estate at Beal, and about 1840, he added to the landholdings at a cost of £14000. In 1850, he decided to sell the Beal estate for £47000 (this is about (£4,533,000 at today's prices). This landholding covered 590 ha (1,450 acres). Selby married Tabitha Mitford Lewis and the couple had three daughters. He died at Twizell House and was buried at a churchyard in Bamburgh. His botanical illustrations continue to inspire, botany students, art students and art teachers as well. Some have been made into framed John Selby art which come ready to hang, and are usually found in many academic institutions. Quite a number of the illustrations in his works have been drawn from samples in his collection. He also contributed to Naturalist's Library by Jardine, the volumes on the parrots and the pigeons, the former was illustrated by Lear Edward. Selby also wrote A History of British Forest-trees and Illustrations of Ornithology together with Jardine William.