Local artist to sign copies of new book at Queenstown

"The Best of Biddle’s Birdcage"

By John Tredrea
   Set this Saturday at Queenstown Gallery in Pennington is the first release and book-signing of "The Best of Biddle’s Birdcage," by Hopewell Township artist David Biddle.
   The book is a collection of nearly 200 Biddle’s Birdcage drawings the artist has done over the years.
   The humorous, whimsical drawings and their captions depict birds in situations that straddle the borderline between the bird world and human world. In one drawing for example, a short bird with a timid expression is standing between two taller birds that are glaring at the short bird. The bird on the left, arms firmly folded and testily tapping her foot, says to little bird: "Dad and I have discussed it. You’re grounded!"
   Original drawings by Mr. Biddle also will be available during the event at Queenstown, set for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The gallery is at 43 S. Main St., a short distance south of East Delaware Avenue.
   "Dave and I have built up quite a friendship. He stops in almost every day," said Queenstown owner Marc Udell. Mr. Udell bought Queenstown from its longtime owner, Pennington resident Jack Koeppel, about a year ago.
   Shortly after Mr. Udell bought the shop, Mr. Biddle walked in and gave him about 100 original drawings and paintings. "He had dropped them off here to Jack Koeppel over the years," Mr. Udell said.
   "He said he wanted people to see them. So I matted them and put them out front and people started buying them. I’m really glad we’re able to have this event for him on Saturday. It means a lot to him," said Mr. Udell.
   A Harvard graduate, Mr. Biddle, 81, switched professions at age 54, moving from high school history teacher to professional artist. He studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and Mercer County Community College. His works are owned by many individuals on the East Coast and have been displayed at the Trenton City Museum, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Gallery in Lawrenceville and in the Soviet Union.