Guest blogger and pigeon-fancier Jane Miller couldn’t resist celebrating Bird Week…..

A bit of cross promotion here for Bird week (19-25 October) as the Arts Library includes in its’ collections a wide array of works illustrating birds in art. Illustration plays an important role in the scientific record, and our collection includes guides to perfecting your work. As well as more realistic forms, bird illustration features in Chinese and Japanese art. Our audio collection includes recordings of birdsongs, available for listening in the Arts Reading Room.

A brush with birds : Australian bird art from the National Library of Australia: introduction by Penny Olsen

A survey from the National Library collections of Australia’s native birds.

Darwin’s pictures : views of evolutionary theory, 1837-1874 BY Julia Voss

 

Placed in the context of illustration in the Victorian era, Julia Voss uses Darwin’s illustrative works to explore the connections between art and science and the role of each in the other.

PS Our Picture Collection also includes images of birds in sketchbooks, individual works and photographs, as well as those featured in the cartoons of Michael and Mary Leunig.

 

And don’t forget the inspiration birds have been to musicians throughout the ages, brought to you here by the wonderful online Naxos Video and Music libraries.

Stravinsky and the Ballets Russes: The Firebird and The Rite of Spring

The Birds by Ottorino Respighi

 

Catalogue d’oiseaux & Petites esquisses d’oiseaux by Olivier Messiaen

 

Not to mention a birds-eye view from our Picture Collection…..

Collins Street