Images from the Seashore

A snapshot of the seashore can be seen in our 2013 summer exhibit, Images from the Seashore where antique prints of shorebirds from the Museum’s art collection are on display.  Current research on birds and marine animals by our scientists are highlighted with didactic panels and specimens. A large installation of a beach scene warns of the consequences of beach grooming. A drawing kiosk with specimens encourages children to get involved and draw.

Several prints from the Bien Edition of The Birds of America are shown. After the death of their father, John Woodhouse and Victor Gifford Audubon embarked on producing an American made edition of The Birds of America. The Bien Edition, named after the printer Julius Bien, was issued in New York City from 1858-1860. It was printed on sheets of un-watermarked paper measuring about 26 x 39 inches. Up to six lithographic stones, each for a different color, were used for the printing of each sheet. The colored inks were successively printed (layered) over each other to produce the final colors.