MBA004: Lot 77. MURRAY, Mrs.

These attractive and highly finished drawings are clearly all by a Mrs. Murray whom we have not succeeded in identifying. There was an enormous interest in Ericaceae in the early part of the nineteenth century, stimulated by the new species sent back from the Cape; this interest sustained two extensive works by H.C. Andrews and obviously led to the present series.

Description

Album of 55 original watercolours of heaths, a number inscribed “Glasgow” or “English”, the final one signed “Mrs. Murray”, numbered 1-67, typical size 22.75 x 28 cm approx., each watercolour laid down on heavier paper, the whole in a portfolio of green simulated lizard skin, rebacked, morocco lettering piece to upper cover.

Provenance

Provenance: From the Library of Arpad Plesch.

Bibliography

See ‘Mille et Un Livres Botaniques de la Collection Arpad Plesch’, page 219 (Ericacees).