When you've spent years curating authentic vintage lithographs, you develop a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that went into each piece. So when customers began asking if I could reproduce some of my most beloved Turner bird prints—or create higher-quality versions with better longevity than the originals—I knew I couldn't take the decision lightly.
This is the story of a months-long journey to honor these 80-year-old masterpieces while making them accessible to a new generation of art lovers.
"You're Sitting on a Gold Mine Here"
A couple of years ago, a lithograph expert traveled up from Portland to my home studio to inspect the R.T. Peterson Flamingo and Egret prints before purchasing a pair. After carefully examining the pieces, he looked up at me and said something I've never forgotten: "Emily, you are sitting on a gold mine here!"
He was blown away by their authenticity and quality, and before he left, he handed me his card. I tucked it away, not knowing that conversation would become the foundation for this project.
That wasn't the only encouragement I received. Last fall, another customer purchased several Turner flamingo prints from me, along with replacement mirror sets for his and his uncle's frames. When I mentioned the lithograph plates and my plans to eventually reproduce the other pieces in the series, his enthusiasm was infectious. His genuine excitement about the possibility of owning prints of the other Turner birds was part of what spurred me into action—a reminder that these pieces matter to people, that they're worth the effort to preserve and share.
The Vision: Authentic Reproduction Using Original Plates
In late summer of 2025, I began my search with a clear vision: I wanted to use the original Turner lithographic plates—the actual polymeric plates used in the mid-20th century—to reproduce these pieces as authentically as possible. I imagined finding a master printer who could run the plates through a vintage press, recreating the exact process Turner's studio would have used decades ago.
It was an ambitious dream, but one that felt right. These weren't just pretty pictures—they were pieces of printing history, and I wanted to honor that legacy.
An Unexpected Discovery
As I prepared for this project, I carefully opened the lithograph plate packages for the first time in over 60 years. The packages themselves were a piece of history—cardboard boxes with handwritten labels on old oil paper identifying each set.
The original packaging, untouched for over 60 years, with Turner's handwritten notations
Opening the package to reveal the lithograph plates and color proofs tucked inside
Inside, I found something I had no idea existed: tucked within the plates were 1-2 high-quality color proofs of each subject. These were test prints created during the original production process to check color accuracy and registration.
One of the color proofs discovered in the packaging—remarkably well-preserved after 60+ years
The plates themselves are interestingly made of a polymeric material. Here are a few of them:
The polymeric lithograph plates used to create Turner's original prints
Color separation plates showing Turner's multi-layer lithographic printing process
The Search for the Perfect Process
I reached out to that Portland expert—now relocated to New York with his Peterson prints beautifully framed and on display—and he generously provided me with a list of lithography companies to try.
What followed was weeks of conversations with printers across the region. The answer was always the same: the mid-20th century lithographic plate process that Turner used was no longer practiced anywhere. The equipment, the expertise, the materials—all had faded into history.
It was disappointing. I really wanted to bring that original vision to life, but no one had the capability to help me reproduce these pieces using the authentic plates and traditional process. Eventually, I had to accept that if I couldn't recreate the original process, I needed to find a different approach.
After striking out with traditional lithography, I found Gango Custom Printing in Portland—a small, specialized fine arts printer and scanner with a reputation for museum-quality work.
I unframed the Swan and Lillies original (one of the airbrushed originals before the lithographs were mass-produced) and packed it up along with the Egrets and White Cockatoos color proofs, then drove down to Portland to meet with them.
The Scanning and Printing Process
What Gango proposed was actually better for preservation than traditional lithography. Using high-resolution scanning, they captured the subtle color variations and delicate brushwork on the Swan and Lillies original. When you zoom in on the scans of the color proofs, you can even see the individual lithography dots—the signature that confirms these are authentic lithographs.
For the Egrets proof, they were able to digitally edit out a crease that had formed over the decades, restoring the image without compromising the artwork's integrity.
The giclee printing process is different from the original lithography. It doesn't reproduce those characteristic lithographic dots, but it provides better ink coverage and color saturation using archival inks with twelve color stations. After seeing and feeling their paper samples—one a textured, top-quality fine art paper, and the other a high quality matte—I knew I had to invest in the textured paper. This 100% cotton, acid-free textured paper will last far longer than Turner's original mass-produced lithographs and brings out the beauty of these iconic images. While Turner's prints were made for their time, these reproductions should last for generations.
Photo of the back side of the Swans and Lillies print highlighting the texture of the 100% cotton fine art paper.
A Limited Edition Launch
After months of back-and-forth and careful consideration of the investment, I committed to an initial limited run of just 3-5 copies of each print. This isn't mass production—it's a small collection that honors the originals while making these images accessible to collectors who may never have the opportunity to own a vintage Turner piece.
With the newly printed giclee prints and high res scans, I'm excited to announce that I'm launching two new collections:
Turner Bird Lithographs | Premium Giclee Reproductions - Museum-quality prints of the Swan and Lillies, Egrets, and White Cockatoos, printed on archival paper with a 12-color printing process and available in this exclusive limited run.
Turner Bird Art | Home Décor Collection - For those who want to bring these birds into their everyday lives, I'm offering a curated selection of home décor and accessories featuring these images. From throw pillows to tote bags, each piece celebrates the timeless beauty of Turner's work.
Why This Matters
Over the years, I've gotten numerous requests to reproduce these pieces or create higher-quality versions. Customers love the aesthetic but worry about fading once displayed of 80-year-old prints, or they want the flexibility to display these images in different formats throughout their homes.
This project is about honoring the provenance and authenticity that makes vintage art special, while using modern technology to ensure these images can be enjoyed for decades to come.
Whether you're a serious collector looking for a museum-quality reproduction, or someone who simply fell in love with Turner's flamingos on Pinterest and wants to bring that beauty into your home, these new collections offer something special.
I hope you'll explore both collections and find a piece that speaks to you. Each one represents not just beautiful art, but a commitment to preservation, quality, and the belief that great design is truly timeless.
Shop the Turner Giclee Collection or browse our Turner-inspired home décor accessories. As always, I'm here to answer any questions about the pieces, the process, or the story behind these iconic birds.
