Almost two hundred years ago, The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in Glasgow purchased two first edition volumes of James Audubon’s ‘Birds of America’. There is currently one of these recently conserved volumes on show in one of the college’s libraries in St Vincent street along with a very informative supporting exhibition.
Our group was met by two of the college librarians, Clare and Claire, who gave us a very interesting introduction to the history of the book and were on hand to answer our questions. Only one page can be viewed of one of the original volumes as it is kept in a protective case, but there is a lot of supporting information and several other books available to view with copies of many of the illustrations.
The building has a number of steps up to the entrance but there is a lift that makes it wheelchair accessible and inside there is a small lift that can take visitors to the third floor to visit the exhibition.
The exhibition is open to the public on Monday afternoons from 2-5pm, excluding public holidays. Visits at other times can be arranged by appointment via email at library@rcpsg.ac.uk
Further information is available here: New exhibition reveals world treasure hidden in the heart of Glasgow | RCPSG
