Bird Art by Reclusive Artist Enter the Spotlight in ‘Birds of Bolton’

In the exhibition, Birds of Bolton, Bolton Museum shines the spotlight on birds-specifically those painted and drawn by artist and naturalist Eric Gorton.

Gorton was a former assistant curator of Bolton Art Gallery and Museum, and from 1947 to 1998, made sketches and watercolors of the region's birds and other fauna. "Eric Gorton spent more than 50 years filling sketchbooks with the most brilliant observations of local wildlife, full of wonder, curiosity and surprise," said Sam Elliot, head of service for Bolton Library and Museum. In fact, it was the recent donation of a large collection of his sketchbooks that inspired the exhibition. The sketchbooks now serve as the exhibition's centerpiece.

The intricately detailed artworks--done in graphite, ink, watercolor, and pastel, depicting natural behaviors and habitats--are made all the more remarkable by the fact that they were done in the field. The website, taxidermy4cash.com, describes the pieces as "more exciting than completed 'studio' works as these were of the moment field observations that had to be well drawn quickly."

Despite the abundance of his artworks, Gorton, who died in 2002, was described as a "very reclusive" man. Elliot says: "We hope that by showcasing his art in our summer exhibition we will inspire people to discover Bolton's natural environments for themselves."

Birds in Bolton also features taxidermied specimens, and the works of contemporary wildlife artists Kirsty Yeomans (who goes by @crowartist on Instagram), Mark Lightowler, and Lesley Young. Young's works have also been displayed at the Manchester Art Gallery.

The exhibition also offers an array of other activities, including talks by Russ Hedley from Nature Talks and Walks, tours by the current curator of natural history, wildlife film showings, art workshops and a Poetry Night. Participants can also peer through a bird hide.

Opened on June 29, Birds of Bolton runs until November 3, and is free of charge.