Alexander Wilson Art

Scottish-American artist, Alexander Wilson (Born in 1766) was born in Paisley, Scotland. He was an ornithologist, poet, illustrator and naturalist. George Ord identified him as the "Father of American Ornithology", and before Audubon, many people regarded him as the greatest American ornithologist. There are several species of bird that are named after him, including the Wilson's plover, Wilson's storm-petrel, Wilson's snipe, Wilson's phalarope, and Wilson's warbler. Wilson began his career as a weaver. In 1779, he was apprenticed with his brother-in-law as a weaver, after which he went to work as a weaver for various relatives. His main interests soon became walking in the countryside and writing poetry. His poems were regarded as libelous and inflammatory because he used them to make a statement on what he regarded as the unfair treatment of the weavers by their employers during a time that there was social upheaval and political unrest in Europe and America. Many people dragged him to court and this made him to lead a miserable life. He would borrow money to pay for the cost of the court cases and even for other expenses. So, in 1794, Wilson and his nephew decided to move to America in search for a better life. They resided somewhere near Philadelphia where Wilson met Bartram William, who got him interested in birds. Wilson became a painter/illustrator and publisher. . At the age of 36, Wilson published a book in which he illustrated all the North American birds. His works are today available online and also as framed Alexander Wilson art.