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Alexander Wilson remembered
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The work of one of Scotland's most famous emigrants to the United States is being celebrated in his birthplace of Paisley.
Paisley Central library is hosting an exhibition until 4 October 2006 on the life and work of Alexander Wilson (1766-1813).
An apprentice weaver and radical poet in his native Paisley, Wilson emigrated to the United States when he was 27.
There he developed an interest in ornithology and he travelled widely observing and painting birds.
His nine-volume work 'American Ornithology' published between 1808 and 1814 illustrated 268 species and included descriptions of 26 new species.
An apprentice weaver and radical poet in his native Paisley, Wilson emigrated to the United States when he was 27.
There he developed an interest in ornithology and he travelled widely observing and painting birds.
His nine-volume work 'American Ornithology' published between 1808 and 1814 illustrated 268 species and included descriptions of 26 new species.
In addition to its current exhibition, Paisley Central library is also hosting a talk on Alexander Wilson at 7pm on Wednesday 4 October by local historian Alan Steel and a speaker from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
The event is free and anyone wishing to attend should contact Paisley Central library on 0141 889 2360. Ticket holders will be entered into a prize draw to win a copy of a print taken from Wilson's 'American Ornithology.'
"Alexander Wilson was a fascinating character and there has been a lot of interest in both the exhibition and the forthcoming lecture," said David Weir, local studies librarian with Renfrewshire Council.
"In his span of interest, and the breadth of his social, political and environmental concerns, Wilson gained a level of achievement in different disciplines which few people in today's age of specialists could begin to approach.
"He is remembered in Paisley for his commitment to upholding the rights of weavers. However, it is in America where his fame is most enduring.
"In addition to his series of volumes on ornithology, he also conducted the first breeding bird census and published numerous observations on natural history which influenced many later artists and ornithologists."
Press release: Monday 2 October 2006
