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Alexander Wilson Collection

Alexander Wilson, a Scottish ornithologist, left an indelible mark on the world of bird study

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Wilson listening to the mocking-bird (engraving)

Wilson listening to the mocking-bird (engraving)
7198133 Wilson listening to the mocking-bird (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Wilson listening to the mocking-bird)

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Alexander Wilson, Scottish ornithologist (engraving)

Alexander Wilson, Scottish ornithologist (engraving)
5233719 Alexander Wilson, Scottish ornithologist (engraving) by Lizars, William Home (1788-1859); Private Collection; (add.info.: Alexander Wilson (1766-1813)

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Portrait d Alexandre Wilson (engraving)

Portrait d Alexandre Wilson (engraving)
3644533 Portrait d Alexandre Wilson (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Portrait d Alexandre Wilson. Illustration for Le Magasin Pittoresque (1850)

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Statue of Wilson, the Naturalist, at Paisley (engraving)

Statue of Wilson, the Naturalist, at Paisley (engraving)
1589327 Statue of Wilson, the Naturalist, at Paisley (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Statue of Wilson, the Naturalist, at Paisley)

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Wilson overcome by the terror of his prisoner (engraving)

Wilson overcome by the terror of his prisoner (engraving)
6006393 Wilson overcome by the terror of his prisoner (engraving) by Doyle, Charles Altamont (1832-93); Private Collection; (add.info.: Wilson overcome by the terror of his prisoner)

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Wild Turkey, Male and Female, 1808-1814 (hand-coloured engraving)

Wild Turkey, Male and Female, 1808-1814 (hand-coloured engraving)
991236 Wild Turkey, Male and Female, 1808-1814 (hand-coloured engraving) by Peale, Titian Ramsey (1799-1885); 34.8x27 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Wild Turkey)

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Wood Ibis, Scarlet Flamingo, White Ibis, c. 1828-1829 (hand-coloured engraving)

Wood Ibis, Scarlet Flamingo, White Ibis, c. 1828-1829 (hand-coloured engraving)
985841 Wood Ibis, Scarlet Flamingo, White Ibis, c.1828-1829 (hand-coloured engraving) by Wilson, Alexander (1766-1813) (after); 37.8x29.8 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: Wood Ibis)

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Wood Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Flamingo, and White Ibis, published 1808-1814. Creator: John G

Wood Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Flamingo, and White Ibis, published 1808-1814. Creator: John G
Wood Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Flamingo, and White Ibis, published 1808-1814

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Green Heron, Night Heron, Young Heron, and Great White Heron, published 1808-1814

Green Heron, Night Heron, Young Heron, and Great White Heron, published 1808-1814

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Passenger Pigeon, Blue-mountain Warbler, and Hemlock Warbler, published 1808-1814

Passenger Pigeon, Blue-mountain Warbler, and Hemlock Warbler, published 1808-1814

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Louisiana Heron, Pied Oyster-catcher, Hooping Crane, and Long-billed Curlew

Louisiana Heron, Pied Oyster-catcher, Hooping Crane, and Long-billed Curlew, published 1808-1814

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Five Birds with Their Eggs and an Insect, published 1808 / 1814. Creator: Alexander Lawson

Five Birds with Their Eggs and an Insect, published 1808 / 1814. Creator: Alexander Lawson
Five Birds with Their Eggs and an Insect, published 1808/1814. [1. Tyrant Flycatcher, 2. Great crested Flycatcher, 3. Small green crested Flycatcher 4. Pe-we Flycatcher, 5. Wood Pe-we Flycatcher]

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Pinnated Grous, Blue-green Warbler, and Nashville Warbler, published 1808-1814

Pinnated Grous, Blue-green Warbler, and Nashville Warbler, published 1808-1814

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Red-winged Starling, Female Red-winged Starling, Black-poll Warbler, and Lesser... pub

Red-winged Starling, Female Red-winged Starling, Black-poll Warbler, and Lesser... pub
Red-winged Starling, Female Red-winged Starling, Black-poll Warbler, and Lesser Red-poll, published 1808-1814

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Carolina Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, and Yellow... pub

Carolina Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, and Yellow... pub
Carolina Cuckoo, Black-billed Cuckoo, Blue Yellow-backed Warbler, and Yellow Red-poll Warbler, published 1808-1814

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, 1811. Artist: Elizabeth Byrne

Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, 1811. Artist: Elizabeth Byrne
Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, 1811. After a drawing by A Wilson

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Lichfield Cathedral Pool Alexander Wilson British

Lichfield Cathedral Pool Alexander Wilson British
Lichfield Cathedral from the Pool; Alexander Wilson (British, active Kenilworth and Leamington, England 1860s - 1870s); 1860 - 1871; Albumen silver print

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Immature Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle

Immature Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle
Originally titled: Ring-tailed Eagle and Sea Eagle. Alexander Wilson, American Ornithology, 1824. Hand-coloured engraving. Date: 1824

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Chordeiles minor, Common nighthawk

Chordeiles minor, Common nighthawk
Alexander Wilson, American Ornithology, 1824. Hand-coloured engraving. Date: 1824

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: American Ornithology by Alexander Wilson, 1824

American Ornithology by Alexander Wilson, 1824
Alexander Wilson, American Ornithology, 1824. Hand-coloured engraving. Date: 1824

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Wading bird illustration by Alexander Wilson

Wading bird illustration by Alexander Wilson
Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea; Snowy egret, Egretta thula; Virginia rail, Rallus limicola and Clapper rail, Rallus longirostris. Hand painted engraving

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Owls and Sparrow hawk

Owls and Sparrow hawk
Alexander Wilson, American Ornithology, 1824. Hand-coloured engraving. Date: 1824

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: John G. Warnicke after Alexander Wilson, Wood Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Flamingo, and White

John G. Warnicke after Alexander Wilson, Wood Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Flamingo, and White Ibis, American, died 1818, published 1808-1814, hand-colored engraving with etching on wove paper

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: Common Snipe

Common Snipe
Illlustration of a Common Snipe by Alexander Wilson (1766-1813)

Background imageAlexander Wilson Collection: American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch
Illustration of American Goldfinch by Alexander Wilson (1766-1813)


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Alexander Wilson, a Scottish ornithologist, left an indelible mark on the world of bird study. His passion for avian creatures was unmatched, evident in his extensive work on various species. In his renowned book "American Ornithology, " published in 1824, Wilson delved into the fascinating lives of birds such as the Immature Golden Eagle and Bald Eagle. One captivating illustration within this masterpiece depicted the graceful flight of Chordeiles minor, commonly known as the Common Nighthawk. Wilson's attention to detail brought these nocturnal creatures to life on paper, showcasing their mysterious allure. Not limited to illustrations alone, it also documented wading birds with great precision. His depiction of these elegant creatures revealed their delicate features and unique habitats. As an avid observer of nature's symphony, Wilson spent countless hours listening intently to melodious mockingbirds. This dedication is beautifully captured in an engraving that portrays him engrossed in their enchanting songs. Wilson's contributions were not only celebrated through art but also recognized by society. A striking engraving showcases his portrait alongside accolades highlighting his significant achievements within ornithology. Paisley pays homage to its native son with a magnificent statue honoring "Wilson the Naturalist. " This monument stands tall as a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and love for all things feathered. Despite encountering challenges during his research expeditions, including being overcome by fear while studying one particular captive creature, nothing deterred Alexander Wilson from pursuing his passion wholeheartedly. His legacy extends beyond mere illustrations; hand-colored engravings depicting stunning birds like Wild Turkeys and Wood Ibises further immortalize Wilson's expertise and commitment to sharing nature's beauty with others. Intriguingly vibrant depictions showcase Scarlet Flamingos dancing alongside White Ibises—a visual feast that captivates viewers even centuries later thanks to John G. 's artistic prowess under Wilson's guidance.