Winging It is an exhibition at the Newberry Library that explores humanity’s complex relationship with birds, featuring contemporary and historic items from the library’s world-class collection.

Birds have often been seen as pests or resources to be exploited, impediments to progress, and threats to well-being. At the same time, birds have been a source of inspiration and meaning across eras and cultures. Winging It: A Brief History of Humanity’s Relationship with Birds includes songs and sheet music, outdoor guides, illustrations, scientific publications, and wood-block prints.

Among the items displayed will be hand-colored engravings by British naturalist and artist Mark Catesby depicting bird species found in what is now the southeastern United States in the early 1720s; wood blocks made by engraving innovator and naturalist Thomas Bewick; the early modern Kreuterbuch, or “herbal” book, that recounts ways to use nature as medicine; and a collage by contemporary artist Tony Fitzpatrick, featuring a Blue Grosbeak.

Winging It draws inspiration from across the Newberry’s collection areas, highlighting a diverse range of perspectives—from scientist to sportsman, publisher, musician, artist, and more—to demonstrate how birds in Europe and the Americas have persisted through the centuries, often in spite of human interference.

Learn more about the exhibition here.

Winging It is a sponsored in part by COS.