Australian, Amorphophallus Galbra, Bailey's Flora of Queensland lithograph c1900.

by Bailey, Frederick Manson

Frederick Manson Bailey's Flora of Queensland antique print. Original lithograph of Amorphophallus Galbra by Frederick Elliot, printed c1900 by the Government Printing Office, Brisbane (Qld.) (later hand-colour).

Bailey’s contribution to the records and illustrations of Queensland species is unequalled. He wrote numerous papers, but his finely illustrated Flora of Queensland published between 1899 and 1902 is his greatest memorial. A self-educated botanist and a kindly man, Frederick Manson Bailey, C.M.G., F.L.S. was a foundation member of the Royal Society of Queensland. 

In 1839 Frederick Manson Bailey (1827-1915) migrated to Australia with his family.At the age of 12 he began work at his father’s plant nursery in Adelaide. In 1861 he moved to Brisbane and opened a plant seed store. He also collected plants for sale to overseas institutions. In 1875 Bailey was appointed government botanist to investigate possible threat of pastures and plants to livestock. From 1880 to 1882 Bailey was acting curator of the Queensland Museum, and in 1890 was appointed Colonial Botanist. During the depression of the 1890’s Bailey’s appointment was suspended, but he continued his work. After public complaint, he was reinstated in 1902 on half salary.

Artist Fred Elliott (1865-1927), exhibited oil an watercolours at the Queensland National Association, Queensland Art Society, and New Society of Artists. Towards the end of the century he produced fine botanical lithographs with the Queensland Government Printing Department for Frederick Manson Bailey’s Flora of Queensland.

This is a stunning plant and double-size hand-coloured lithograph with accompanying text. There is slight damage to the extremities of this fine paper. It has been mounted between antique-white ragmat conservation board and covered with cellophane for presentation and protective handling until framed.

Double-page size: 275 x 245mm (10 7/8 x 9 5/8 inches). External size within frame: 480 x 333mm (18.3/4 x 13.1/8 inches).