This auction is for a genuine, original, charming butterfly print rescued from a disbound copy of Lloyd's Natural History, A Handbook to the Order Lepidoptera by W.F Kirby, Department of Zoology, British Museum.

Date Published: 1896  Printed by Wyman and Sons Limited, Great Britain

Print size 7 1/4 inches x 4 3/4 inches

The chromolithograph has a characteristic patina, which is natural for antique paper, but is in excellent condition - it is 118 yeards old.  Reverse side blank.  It is ideal for framing either alone or in a group to make an attractive and unique gift or treat for yourself!

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William Forsell Kirby (14 January 1844 - 20 November 1912) was born in Leicester, United Kingdom.  He was educated privately, and became interested in butterflies and moths at an early age.  The family moved to Brighton, where he became acquainted with Henry Cooke, Frederick Merrifield and J.N. Winter.  He published the Manual of European Butterflies in 1862.

In 1879 Kirby joined the staff of the Natural History Museum as an assistant.  He published a number of catalogues, as well as A Handbook to the Order Lepidoptera in 1896, from which this plate is taken.

Kirby had a wide range of interests, knew many languages and fully translated Finland's national epic, The Kalevala, from Finnish into English.  This was a major influence on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, who first read it in his teens.  Kirby also provided many footnotes to Sir Richard Burton's translation of the Arabian Nights.

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This is a genuine, original vintage item warranted to have been printed at the date stated.  It is not a modern day reproduction.

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Many thanks for looking.  My name is Gail and I was born in Toronto, Canada.  I now run my small business from Northop Hall, a pretty village in North Wales and I welcome new visitors from any part of the world.  Please check my feedback to confirm I live up to my promises of great communication, top class packaging and fast dispatch.