Henry Eeles Dresser Paintings

Henry Eeles Dresser was a British ornithologist and bird artist, born on May 9, 1838, in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, England. He is best known for his significant contributions to ornithology, particularly through his comprehensive work 'A History of the Birds of Europe,' which he co-authored with Richard Bowdler Sharpe.

Dresser spent his early years in England, but his family moved to France, and he was educated in Paris. Despite his interest in ornithology, Dresser began his career in the timber trade, which allowed him to travel extensively, including to Scandinavia and Russia, where he collected bird specimens. His business trips facilitated his burgeoning interest in birds, and he soon began to establish himself within scientific circles.

In the 1860s, Dresser became involved with the British Ornithologists' Union (BOU) and contributed to 'The Ibis,' a journal published by the BOU. His extensive travels and knowledge of European birds positioned him as an authority in the field. Dresser's business acumen and connections also enabled him to collaborate with other ornithologists and collectors to build an impressive collection of bird skins, which became an invaluable resource for his studies and publications.

Dresser's magnum opus, 'A History of the Birds of Europe,' was published in parts between 1871 and 1896. This monumental work contained descriptions and illustrations of all the birds found in Europe, many of which were drawn by Dresser himself, as well as by renowned bird artists like John Gould. It was one of the most comprehensive ornithological publications of its time and remains a significant reference work for European bird species.

Beyond his work on European birds, Dresser also published 'A Manual of Palaearctic Birds' in 1902, which was another important contribution to the field. He was a meticulous researcher, and his writings were characterized by detailed observations and a commitment to scientific accuracy.

Dresser was highly respected by his peers and was awarded several honors for his work in ornithology. He was elected a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and was also involved with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.

Henry Eeles Dresser passed away on November 28, 1915. His legacy is preserved through his extensive publications, which continue to be valuable resources for ornithologists and bird enthusiasts. His meticulous approach to the study of birds and his dedication to the field significantly advanced the understanding of European ornithology during his lifetime.