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This weekend marks the opening of a new exhibition at Liverpool Central Library to commemorate the 200th anniversary of John James Audubon’s visit to the city. Audubon, the renowned author of *The Birds of America*, came to Liverpool in 1826 with the goal of securing funding through subscriptions for his groundbreaking publication. Completed in 1828, this work is now regarded as one of the world’s most valuable books.
Liverpool Central Library is home to a complete four-volume set of *Birds of America*, with one volume showcased permanently in a temperature-controlled glass case. The pages are regularly turned, and visitors can explore the contents more closely via an interactive kiosk, which provides a detailed view without risking damage to the original volume. The library’s copy has a remarkable history; it was saved from destruction during World War Two by librarian Reginald Biotelli when the building was bombed in the Blitz.
The exhibition, titled *200 Years of Birds of America*, features a thoughtfully curated collection drawn from Liverpool’s Archive and Special Collections, as well as loans from the Victoria Gallery & Museum and National Museums Liverpool. It highlights both Audubon’s life story and the complex processes involved in producing the volumes. On display are original Audubon sketches, including a rare self-portrait, preserved bird specimens shot by Audubon, original letters from him and prominent Liverpool families, and reproductions of Catlin’s sketches depicting Native American people, held in the library’s special collections. Among the exhibits is an exceptionally rare taxidermy Passenger Pigeon, an extinct species, on loan from the World Museum, exhibited alongside other American birds.
The exhibition also confronts some of the more problematic aspects of Audubon’s legacy, including his damaging treatment of Native American cultural sites and his involvement with enslaved people. Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, commented, “The story behind the creation of the *Birds of America* book is absolutely fascinating and part of Liverpool’s history. We are extremely fortunate to have a copy of this rare book on permanent public display. This exhibition shines a spotlight on how the book came to be created, as well as looking at the man who was behind it. Despite his incredible achievements, in more recent years there has been evidence of a darker side to John James Audubon, which is also explored. As we approach 200 years since its publication, this is an opportune moment to learn more about it.” The exhibition runs at the Hornby Library in Liverpool Central Library on William Brown Street, with free entry from 10 October until February 2027
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