Album of original botanical watercolours

Description:

Album dated 1854 and signed by Emily Augusta Sevirus. A delightful collection of 132 original watercolours of studies of British wildflowers, includes watercolours of orchids, irises, grasses, nettles, primulas, violets, thistles and dandelions, etc. The drawings are arranged into Classes numbered 2-19, annotated with common and scientific names, and are ‘tipped in’ to hand-made cuts in pages. One drawing has been partly prepared for insertion. One drawing ('snow drop') is not present. One small pressed plant loosely inserted. The production of such watercolour albums was a popular pastime for Victorian ladies, as it was considered both ladylike and educational to study and draw plants.

Condition

4to (375x365mm), half calf, scrap album, gilt decorated spine (worn with short tear to foot), wear to corners. 132 watercolours (167x144mm) in very fresh condition.