Prideaux John Selby Paintings

Prideaux John Selby was a British ornithologist, botanist, and artist, known for his illustrations and extensive work on British birds. Born into a wealthy Northumberland family on July 23, 1788, Selby received a private education and developed an early interest in natural history. His family's affluence allowed him to pursue his passion for the study of birds and their habitats.

Selby is best recognized for his publication 'Illustrations of British Ornithology' (1821–1834), which was the first set of life-sized illustrations of British birds. Not only did he author this seminal work, but he also etched the plates for the illustrations himself, showcasing his considerable artistic talent. The quality of his work was such that it rivaled that of John James Audubon, his contemporary in America.

Apart from ornithology, Selby contributed to entomology and botany. He was a fellow of the Linnean Society and the Royal Society, as well as a member of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club. Throughout his life, he maintained a close circle of friends who were leading naturalists of the time, including Sir William Jardine and John James Audubon, whom he hosted in the UK.

Selby's work had an important impact on the field of ornithology, particularly in the UK. His meticulous observations and detailed illustrations added significantly to the scientific understanding of bird species and their behaviors. Despite his achievements, he was not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, possibly due to the limited circulation of his works, which were expensive to produce and therefore not as accessible to the general public.

Prideaux John Selby died on March 27, 1867, at Twizell House, near Belford in Northumberland. His legacy is preserved in the continued appreciation of his contributions to ornithology and natural history illustration. His work remains a valuable resource for both scientists and artists interested in the detailed study of birds.