Exhibit | April 1, 2012

“Shooting Flying” in Literature and Art Exhibit

MIDDLEBURG, VA - “Shooting Flying” in Literature and Art introduces visitors to the range of literature on shooting wildfowl that exists in the Library’s collection. Books on display date from the 18th century through the 21st. Works of art from the NSLM collection and from private lenders enrich the exhibit. Of special interest is an emphasis on the 20th century American sporting print.

Nineteenth century ephemera provide an opportunity to view early shotguns and decoys.

The exhibition takes its name from PTERYPLEGIA: Or, The Art of SHOOTING- FLYING, A POEM, by Mr. Markland, A.B., fellow of St. John’s College in Oxford, and published in 1717. The book, of which the National Sporting Library and Museum has a third edition (1767), is one of the earliest works in English to give instructions on how to shoot flying birds with a gun. In his prose introduction and in his rhymed poetic text, Mr. Markland gives practical advice on game birds, shooting, and safety.

“Shooting Flying” runs through June 30, 2012 and is in the Library’s Forrest
E. Mars, Sr. Exhibit Hall.

The National Sporting Library and Museum is dedicated to preserving, sharing and promoting the literature, art and culture of equestrian and field sports. Founded in 1954, the institution has over 24,000-books dating from the 16th-21st centuries. The John H. Daniels Fellowship program supports the research of visiting scholars. The Museum, a newly renovated and expanded historic building on the Library campus, houses exhibits of American and European fine sporting art. Information is shared through exhibitions, lectures, seminars, publications and special events.

The NSLM is open to researchers and the general public. Admission is free. Library Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Museum Hours: Wednesday- Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Closed on federal holidays. For more information, visit www.nsl.org. or call 540-687-6542. NSLM, 102 The Plains Road, Middleburg, VA 20117.