Great bustards 1925

Archibald Thorburn painted these Great Bustards in watercolor in 1925. The composition depicts the birds in their natural habitat, likely somewhere in the English countryside, and speaks to the social and cultural concerns about wildlife conservation prominent at the time. Thorburn was a member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, a group that formed at the end of the 19th century in response to the destructive use of bird plumage in women's fashion. This movement was largely driven by women, who were active in lobbying for the protection of bird species. The great bustard had become extinct in Britain by 1840 due to hunting and habitat loss, making images like this a visual record of a disappearing species. This artwork is thus a testament to the changing attitudes towards wildlife and the growing environmental awareness of the early 20th century. By studying the records of organizations like the RSPB, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional contexts that shape the production and reception of art.