An extraordinary literary treasure is poised to dazzle collectors as the full set of folios featuring exquisite illustrations by John Gould, renowned as the ‘bird man’ of 19th-century London, prepares to go under the hammer in London with a staggering price tag of £2 million.
Gould, revered as one of the era’s preeminent taxidermists, earned royal acclaim by preserving the first giraffe to grace English shores under King George IV’s patronage. However, it is his groundbreaking work in ornithology that solidified his legacy. Dubbed the “Bird Man,” Gould meticulously traversed the globe, documenting avian species, including those unearthed by Charles Darwin during his historic voyage aboard the HMS Beagle in 1836.
The upcoming rare book fair, Firsts, set to unfold at London’s Saatchi Gallery from May 16-19, will play host to this unparalleled collection. Pom Harrington, proprietor of esteemed books dealer Peter Harrington and chairman of Firsts, described the discovery as “exceptional,” noting the rarity of finding a complete set of Gould’s folios, which are scattered across six decades of the 19th century.
“The scarcity of such complete collections, particularly those bound magnificently and uniformly by distinguished London binders like Zaehnsdorf, drives the significant market value of this exceptional set,” Harrington remarked, emphasizing the rarity and allure of the offering.
Gould’s artistic opus, nurtured by his collaborations with renowned illustrators such as Edward Lear and Elizabeth Gould, his wife, not only captivated audiences but also left an indelible mark on scientific discourse. His meticulous depictions of avian lifeforms, meticulously crafted from his field notes and sketches, laid the groundwork for Darwin’s revolutionary theories of evolution.
The volume’s journey through history offers tantalizing glimpses into its provenance, hinting at its origins as a prized acquisition for discerning collectors in the late 19th century. Despite the absence of ownership marks, its impeccable condition and historical significance make it a coveted artifact likely to fetch astronomical bids.
As the literary world eagerly anticipates the unveiling of this remarkable ensemble, its impending sale heralds a rare opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of scientific and artistic history, resonating with the legacy of two towering figures in the annals of natural history and exploration.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
