Havell Edition – Antique Originals

Explore authentic original Havell edition Audubon prints from John James Audubon’s Birds of America. Produced in London between 1827 and 1838 by Robert Havell Sr. and Robert Havell Jr., these hand-colored engravings are among the most celebrated and sought-after works in American natural history art.

The Havell edition of Birds of America was issued on approximately 26 1/2″ x 39″ Double Elephant Folio sheets of Whatman paper. The first ten plates were engraved by W. H. Lizars before the Havells assumed production of the project. Today, original Havell edition Audubon prints are prized for their scale, richness, rarity, and remarkable visual presence.

Original Havell Edition Audubon Prints

Audubon’s folio comprised 435 hand-colored engravings and aquatints, many depicting birds at life size. Issued to a small group of subscribers and now held in major museum, library, and private collections, these authentic Audubon prints remain among the most important and desirable antique bird prints available.

Over time, some complete folios were broken apart, making individual Audubon original prints available for sale. Oppenheimer Gallery specializes in these rare Havell edition prints and maintains an extensive inventory, including many examples in exceptionally fine condition.

For more information, see our Audubon Vintage Bird Print Collecting Guide and What Is an Engraving?.