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Lot Essay
The present watercolour relates to the photograph of Lord Lilford at his desk, which was reproduced as the frontispiece to Lilford's Coloured Figures of Birds of the British Islands, 1885-98, 7 volumes.
Thorburn's association with Lord Lilford was one of the most important and fruitful of his life. When J.G. Keulemans fell ill Thorburn undertook the huge task of illustrating this mammoth work, ultimately completing 268 out of the 421 plates.
Thorburn's association with Lord Lilford was one of the most important and fruitful of his life. When J.G. Keulemans fell ill Thorburn undertook the huge task of illustrating this mammoth work, ultimately completing 268 out of the 421 plates.