Keeler Tavern

To Host Audubon Lecture

RIDGEFIELD — With the recent opening of the exhibition “Audubon’s Aviary” at the New-York Historical Society, it seems that Audubon’s birds are everywhere these days.

The Keeler Tavern will host a talk, “J.J. Audubon — His Life, His Art & Collecting His Work,” on Sunday, April 15, from 2 to 4 pm, given by longtime admirer and collector Joel Third. Admission is $10, and reservations are recommended.

Mr Third and his wife, Bettie Jane, are both birders with an interest in antiques so collecting Audubon’s works was a natural progression. He is well-read on Audubon’s life and art and rarely misses an exhibition or auction of his works.

Examples from his 15-plus year collection of Audubon originals and reproductions will be on view during the program.

“The idea is to start with his actual art and then proceed into prints,” he said, noting he will discuss the differences between the paintings, the elephant and octavo prints and among originals, facsimiles and reproductions.

Works on hand for examination will include original Havell print editions and a new watercolor reproduction recently released by the N-YHS for its exhibition, as well as a pattern print with provenance to the Havell family that was used by the Havell colorists, who hand colored the Audubon editions they published.

In addition to focusing on Audubon’s art, the program will also address the life of the nature artist.

“Audubon’s life was most adventurous but ended in sadness,” said Mr Third. “His wife Lucy was forced to sell his paintings in desperation to the New-York Historical Society for a pittance.”

The Keeler Tavern is at 132 Main Street. For more information, call 203-438-5485.