Havell Edition – Antique Originals

Explore the wide selection of original Havell edition Audubon prints from the Birds of America. London printmakers Robert Havell and Robert Havell Jr. produced these prints between 1827 and 1836, featuring Audubon’s 1st edition double-elephant folio hand-colored engravings.

The Birds of America Havell edition Audubon prints were produced between 1827 and 1836 by London printmakers Robert Havell and Robert Havell Jr.. The first ten plates were created by the Scottish engraver W. H. Lizars, but he was forced to relinquish the project after his colorists went on strike.

The Havell edition prints, engraved with aquatint on 26 1/2″ x 39″ double-elephant folio-size sheets of Whatman paper, capture the tantalizing detail and life-like quality of Audubon’s birds. Audubon’s birds are rendered at life-size, making them some of the largest representations ever made.

Audubon’s folio consisted of 435 prints, which London printmakers Robert Havell and Robert Havell Jr. issued to 186 subscribers at the costly sum of $1,000 each. This amount was equivalent to the cost of a substantial home at that time. Among the 186 complete sets produced, library and museum collections worldwide preserve more than 100 intact sets. Over the years, some of the folios have been disassembled to make the prints available for individual sale. Joel Oppenheimer Gallery specializes in these rare, original engravings. We maintain an extensive inventory, including many prints in exceptionally fine condition.

For more information, check out our articles Audubon Print Collecting Guide and What is an Engraving?