Talks & conversations: Talk
The Secret Language of Birds: Art, nature and symbolism
Monday, 7 September 2026
From £20
The National Gallery
The Secret Language of Birds: Art, nature and symbolism
Event information
- Type: Talks & conversations: Talk
- Date: Monday, 7 September 2026
- Tickets: From £20
- Location: The National Gallery
- Address: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN, UK
- Official page: https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/events/talk-the-secret-language-of-birds-art-nature-and-symbolism-07-09-2026
Details
About
To coincide with the publication of his new book, ‘The Secret Language of Birds’, join ornithologist and author Colin Rees as he explores the rich symbolism of birds in art and culture. Drawing on examples from the National Gallery’s collection, Rees will explore how artists have used birds to convey ideas of love, peace, power and spirituality, offering new insights into the enduring connections between art, nature and imagination.
Colin Rees
Colin Rees is an ornithologist and natural scientist whose career has focused on biodiversity conservation and the natural environment. He holds a PhD in Zoology from the University of Wisconsin, was a faculty member at the University of Maryland, and is the author and co-author of several books on birds and natural history.