Rex Brasher Collection, 1924

Rex Brasher (1869-1960); a noted wildlife illustrator who produced approximately 875 slides depicting 1,200 species and sub-species of North American birds, began painting in his teens. Brasher went-on to work odd jobs, perfecting his art and depiction of birds as he worked and traveled throughout the United States. In 1911, he bought a farm in Kent, Connecticut and there began to work on a commission to illustrate a book. To produce color prints during the 1920s, Brasher resorted to handbrushing them himself, modeled after his high quality black-and-white prints that he was able to publish, while utilizing his own airbrush techniques. After four years, Brasher completed and published his book, Birds and Trees of North America, produced in a limited edition of 100 sets.