Heritage
The Archives of Falconry produces a quarterly e-newsletter, entitled Heritage, to inform donors and supporters of its acquisitions and activities. The e-newsletter is distributed by email and posted online. If you wish to receive this and other online publications, please register at my.peregrinefund.org. To sign up, create your own user ID and password, then click on “Email Subscriptions” and check the box for Heritage Newsletter (Archives). If you are already registered at my.peregrinefund.org, be sure you have checked the Heritage Newsletter box.
The Archives of Falconry links
- Falconry Heritage Tours
- Sheikh Zayed Heritage Wing
- Falconers' Wall
- Heritage Publications
- Falconry Book Auction
- The Colonel Thomas Thornton Exhibit
Col. Thomas Thornton at the Archives
– written by John Swift, Curator
For the first time in over 70 years, a portrait of famous British falconer and sportsman, Colonel Thomas Thornton, will be on public display at the Archives of Falconry. The painting by noted British landscape and animal artist Philip Reinagle (1749-1833) was commissioned by Col. Thornton in the late 18th Century and was sold at Thornton’s death in 1823. The Winston F. C. Guest family home on Long Island was its place of residence since the 1940s and was one of the first pieces of art they purchased together. The Guests were always interested in sport especially thoroughbred horse racing, including a champion they aptly named Gyr.
The Archives of Falconry was aware of the painting’s existence, as it had been published in the book and on the dust jacket of A Bird in the Hand by Roger Upton. Attempts to ascertain its current location were made by falconer and Archives’ supporter Tony Huston for over 10 years. The painting had passed to the children and establishing personal contact proved elusive. Tony was finally able to make contact with Alexander Guest, the current owner, and indicated we would like to obtain a photographic reproduction which could be displayed alongside the Thornton Urn exhibit in The Archives of Falconry. Alexander Guest responded, “Would you like to borrow it?” Tony was speechless, but quickly regained his composure and responded with a “yes” of course.
This distinguished loan is truly a testament to the record of success and the reputation that The Archives of Falconry has obtained. This historic portrait of the falconer – who many feel was responsible for the revival of falconry in Britain in the late 18th Century – will be on public display for the first time in over a century.
Bob and Karen Reuter (daughter of falconer Hei Heiberg) stepped forward to help sponsor the cost of transporting the painting to Boise for display. John and Vicki Swift sponsored the expense of packing and crating this large 60” x 50” oil painting. A sponsorship opportunity still exists for the brochure that will be developed for the year-long special exhibit. This is a great opportunity to show your support of the Archives and its programs. Let us know if you are interested in publishing this brochure.
Combined Federal Campaign # 10639
