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LODESTAR DECORATIVE

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Item Details

From the 1791 (pub. St Georges Crescent) first edition of Flora Londinensis by William Curtis, copperplate hand coloured folio engraving.


Flora Londinensis described and catalogued the flora found in the region of London in the 18th century in 6 volumes. It was the first comprehensive study of flora in England and is considered to be Curtis’ masterpiece. Until its publication previous works of this type were reserved only for scientists, apothecaries and earlier herbalists. As well as a botanist, William Curtis was a praefectus horti at the Chelsea Physic Garden, with this publication he intended on documenting all flowering species within a 10 mile radius of London. In doing so he commissioned several illustrators and painters to produce hand coloured copper engraved prints to accompany his descriptions and recordings. Despite well deserved praise for its importance, just 300 copies of the six volume set were commissioned.


Later work by Curtis and was produced in larger numbers, however these publications featured inferior quality plates, hence plates from Flora Londinensis are extremely rare and desirable.


This particular example is framed in later bespoke mount and wooden frame behind glass and is ready to be enjoyed by the next owner.

  • Period: 1791
  • Sold
  • Location: Warwickshire
    • Dimensions: H: 58cm (22.83in)
    • W: 36cm (14.17in)
    • D: 0cm (0.00in)