Title

"Portraits of Rare and Curious Birds with their Desctiptions, from the Menagery of Osterley Park. London"

By W. Hayes

Biography of the Artist.

William Hayes (1735 –1807)

Hayes was a British illustrator best known for A "Natural History of British Birds" (1775) and "Portaits of Rare and Curious Birds Accurately Drawn and Colored from Their Specimens in the Menagerie at Osterly Park (1794-99)".   A self-taught artist, Hayes worked from live specimens he kept in captivity, as well as birds from the collection of one of his patrons, the Duchess of Portland.

Description of the work.

We are pleased to offer a selection of exceptionally rare engravings from the first edition of William Hayes  "Portaits of Rare and Curious Birds" published between 1794 and 1795 in London: Robert Child and his wife commissioned Hayes to produce paintings of the birds within their menagerie at Osterley Park, one of the largest open spaces in west London (Borough of Hounslow). However, due to their unfortunate demise Hayes was left without his patrons and their all funding. Hayes decided to issue the above work, the first published systematic record of a single private collection of live birds, dedicating it to the Welsh naturalist Thomas Pennant. In order to complete the work, he employed his children to produce the illustrations: seven members of his family collaborated on the venture. Hayes draw the birds and, Like Audubon, depicted birds at life size whenever possible. His wife Anne, his children Charles, William, Annette, Emily, Maria and Matilda handpainted the prints and in most of them they handsigned the artwork. Many birds are wonderfully illustrated and handcoloured, including species native to Great Britain and Europe, as well as exotic tropical birds such as parrots, macaws, parakeets, birds of prey (such as the white jer-falcon and Virginian eared owl) and wading birds (such as cranes, spoonbills and ducks).

Each print in folio edition measure approximately 8" 3/4 x  11" 3/8  (22,5 x 29 cm) on chain-linked J.Whatman hand made paper watermarked 1794.

The condition of these prints is very good, with characteristic strong plate. There is no foxing. Irrilevant light browning in bottom corner.

We describe all items as accurately as possible with any condition exceptions noted. Please use your judgement to confirm our accuracy and take into consideration that unless otherwise stated, these items are used. Please make careful decisions before bidding and email us with any questions.

Bibliography Reference:  Nissen IVB 422; Zimmer p. 294