Black-flowered Protea lepidocarpon by Sydenham Edwards botanical engraving c1803

by Edwards, Sydenham

Sydenham Edwards's Black-flowered Protea, engraved by Francis Sansom c1803. (This spectacular protea was originally found in Eastern Africa.)

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving by Francis Sansom after a drawing by the eminent Welsh botanical illustrator Sydenham Edwards for The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London circa 1803 by T. Curtis. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered - for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty.

In 1787 when he was Praefectus Hortis (Horticultural Manager) of Chelsea Physic Garden in London, William Curtis (1746-1799) began publication of The Botanical Magazine “in response.. to solicitations for a work... (combining) Botany and Gardening”. Illustrating botanical specimens from around the world, this publication has been published continuously for over 230 years. It is now known as “The Kew Magazine”.

Size of page approximately 230 x 140mm (9 x 5.5 inches).