Free tours of new exhibition: The Birds of America by John James Audubon

Exhibition tours start from Friday 1st May 2026

John James Audubon (1785-1851) produced the world famous ‘The Birds of America’ between 1827-1838. The 435 plates depict 489 life-sized bird species in hand-coloured etchings, aquatints and engravings. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow has owned Volumes One and Two of the first edition of Audubon’s masterpiece since 1838, containing the first 200 plates.

This new exhibition explores the story of our copies, why the College owns them, the conservation and photography work we have undertaken and the wider engagement work we are delivering. It also considers Audubon’s contested legacy. He has been widely celebrated for his stunning achievements in art and ornithology, but he has also been accused of scientific fraud, plagiarism and inaccuracies. He owned enslaved people and supported discredited theories of “scientific racism”.

His passion for nature led to his discovery of new species, which contributed to the knowledge and understanding of bird anatomy, and his books now serve to highlight the ongoing loss of species due to climate change, habitat decline and over hunting.

A Natural Connection: Darwin and Audubon

Visitors will also get the chance to see this companion exhibition also currently running which tells the story of the remarkable personal, family and professional connections that linked these two extraordinary men.

We are grateful to Museums Galleries Scotland for funding this project.

Part of the Glasgow Blythswood Festival 2026

The tour will start promptly at Reception at 12.30pm

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Host or Publisher RCPSG Heritage