Watson Archive
The Donald Watson archive comprises note books, sketches books, diaries, sketches and correspondence relating to Donald Watson, one of Britain’s foremost bird artists and writers in the second half of the 20th century.
He lived in St John’s Town of Dalry, Galloway with his wife and family for over 50 years. Donald illustrated over 30 books, including the outstanding 98 plates in The Oxford Book of Birds, and authored 5 books. His work was a classic marriage of bird study and art that stimulated a generation of field ornithologists and bird artists. The hen harrier was his signature species.
The Donald Watson archive has been thoroughly reviewed to identify the essential material to be kept for future research and reference at its current secure storage at the Dumfries and Galloway Council archive in Dumfries, with grateful thanks to the Council and the Libraries and Archive staff for facilitating this.
Access to bona fide researchers can be made available by contacting Roger Crofts.