A Fasciculus of Eight Drawings on Stone of Groups of Birds by John Hancock
Size: Approx. 55.5cm x 38cm
Description: Hullmandel & Watlton, Lithog: London. Newcastle upon Tyne, Published by the Author. 1853. Bound portfolio with original covers; eight lithographic plates; notices; list of subscribers. 551 x 381mm (21¾ x 15"). Covers worn along spine. Some foxing.
A collection of lithographs produced for the Great Exhibition. John Hancock (1808-1890), was highly regarded as an expert in the study of ornithology and attained a national reputation as an accomplished taxidermist. He was a member of the Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle upon Tyne from its inception in 1829. As his prowess in the art of taxidermy increased he was often called upon to prepare specimens for the local gentry. In order to advertise his talents further afield he created a selection of dramatic taxidermy mounts which he displayed at the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, London in1851. He later produced a large folio book of lithographs of the mounts on display 'A Fasciculus of Eight Drawings on Stone of Groups of Birds', published in 1853.