Morris, Francis Orpen (1810-1893) Eggs and Nests Category

Francis Orpen Morris, born in 1810, moved to England in 1824 where he developed an interest in natural history at a young age. He attended Worcester College in Oxford where much of his time was spent studying natural history, including his part time task arranging the collection of insects in the Ashmolean Museum. In 1844 Morris was ordained a Deacon and became Vicar of Nafferton, where he met and formed a friendship and business relationship with the renowned English printer Benjamin Fawcett, which was to last nearly 50 years. Fawcett approached Morris to write the text for his books, their first great success being “A History of British Birds”, followed quickly by “A Natural History of the Nests and Eggs of British Birds”, and later by “A History of British Butterflies” and “A History of British Moths”. The principal illustrator for their works was Alexander Francis Lydon, who contributed much in technique and design. The wood engraved illustrations were originally hand colored, and later printed in color from multiple wood blocks, up to four colors. Fawcett selected, ground and mixed his inks with the utmost care, and only heavy paper stock of the finest quality was used, often imported from France.

Prints from this publication are Quite Rare