Chaffinch Nest And Egg

25 x 15 cm (10 x 6 inches).

This antique print was made by wood engraving in 1855. It is in in excellent condition and is an original antique from the rare, first edition of Reverend Francis Orpen Morris's "A Natural History of the Nests & Eggs of British Birds".
Morris created this work in the English village of Driffield and shipped it in tea chests to London. Its desirability and survival in such good condition is due to the superb skills of the print maker Morris employed, Benjamin Fawcett. Fawcett knew how to make handsome color prints from woodblocks. The secret of his success was that he mastered every detail of the printing process, the mixing of the colors and the preparation of the woodblocks, as well as drawing, engraving, and coloring. A fanatic stickler for perfection in his craft, he trained his staff to eliminate even minute mistakes. (References Nissen. Bestiaries p. 90, Nissen IVB, 136; Anker 59). He selected, ground, and mixed his inks with the utmost care. Only heavy paper stock of the finest quality was used, often imported from France. Alexander Francis Lydon was one of Fawcett's principal engravers, contributing much in technique and design. (References include Fine Bird Books, p125 & Benjamin Fawcett, p77).