Vintage | Audubon

TEXT by Celine MacKay | PHOTOGRAPHS by John James Audubon's legacy is intriguing - an ornithologist and painter who immigrated to the United States from France in 1803, his work has proven incredibly significant both in his naturalist field and in the world of design. Among some of the most coveted and celebrated naturalist painters and illustrators, Audubon is credited with the discovery of 25 new bird species and a number of sub-species discovered while on his journey to paint every North American bird in their natural habitat. His efforts led to the creation of Birds of North America (1827-1839), a color-plate book that is still considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completedâ€” the original recently sold at auction for $11.5 million, a record price for a single book!

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John James Audubon's legacy is intriguing - an ornithologist and painter who immigrated to the United States from France in 1803, his work has proven incredibly significant both in his naturalist field and in the world of design. Among some of the most coveted and celebrated naturalist painters and illustrators, Audubon is credited with the discovery of 25 new bird species and a number of sub-species discovered while on his journey to paint every North American bird in their natural habitat. His efforts led to the creation of Birds of North America (1827-1839), a color-plate book that is still considered one of the finest ornithological works ever completed— the original recently sold at auction for $11.5 million, a record price for a single book! Reproduction prints can still be purchased or keep an eye out at flea markets for antique/vintage versions— we're big fans of the organic, vintage and naturalist feel they lend to a room. If you love to admire birds fleeting about through a pair of field glasses you may be familiar with the National Audubon Society, named in his honor. Its mission "is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds...". They host an annual bird count that any person anywhere can be a part of which is really neat too. As if to prove how significant and contemporary his work still is, on his 226th birthday Google celebrated with a doodle. Incredible!

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Photo via Sarah Richardson Design

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