Hanging out with the Birds of America

I recently enjoyed a day at the National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street in Edinburgh. On display were 46 magnificent unbound plates from this most-coveted of books, along with a bound volume from the Museum's Library collection, and other related exhibits. It was a rare privilege to get so close to Audobon's masterpiece.

Thoroughly recommended - and free to Members of the museum (of which I am glad to be one). The Audobon's Birds of America exhibition runs until the 8th May 2022.

I combined this exhibition visit with a rare to chance to see a manuscript Book of Hours, inscribed by Mary Queen of Scots, also temporarily on display at the Museum. A petit volume, but with great historical resonance...

Mary, Queen of Scots and the Book of Hours is on show until 2nd August 2022.