Archibald Thorburn

Archibald Thorburn was a naturalistartist and birdillustrator painting mostly inwatercolour. He regularly visited Scotland to sketch the wildlife in their natural habitat. Archibald is thought to be one of the greatest wildlife artists of all time. It was his commission in 1887 to illustrateLord Lilfords Coloured Figures of the Birds of the British Isles that established his reputation painting some 268 watercolours. He was the fifth son of Robert Thorburn (1818-1885) portrait miniaturist toQueen Victoria. He illustrated many books Fishing and Shooting The Fox to name a few. Being friends with other eminent bird illustrators includingGeorge Edward LodgeandJohn Guille Millais collaborating on a number of works includingNatural History of British Feeding DucksBritish Diving DucksandBritish Game Birds.