description The Banks' Florilegium Overview
The Banks’ Florilegium comprises a substantial collection of engraved plant depictions created during Sir Joseph Bank's voyages with Captain James Cook in the late 18th century. These prints represent an exceptionally detailed record of newly discovered flora from Polynesia and other Pacific islands. Produced by Kew Botanical Society, they are notable for their scientific value and historical importance, offering invaluable insight into early botanical exploration. The collection is primarily useful for botanists, historians, and collectors interested in the history of plant science and 18th-century natural history.
help The Banks' Florilegium FAQ
Who created the original botanical illustrations for The Banks' Florilegium?
The original drawings were made by Sydney Parkinson during Sir Joseph Banks' scientific voyage with Captain James Cook's HMS Endeavour in the late 18th century. Parkinson died during the voyage, and the detailed copperplate engravings were later completed by skilled craftsmen in Europe. They represent exceptionally detailed records of newly discovered flora from Polynesesis.
When were the copperplates from The Banks' Florilegium actually printed and published?
While the voyage took place from 1768 to 1771, the full collection of engravings was not officially printed in color until the 1980s. The Natural History Museum in London undertook the massive project of pulling prints from the surviving copperplates. This historical undertaking resulted in a limited edition of the botanical record.
Where can I view prints from The Banks' Florilegium today?
Original prints from the 1980s printing are highly sought after by collectors and occasionally appear at specialized auction houses. You can also view high-resolution digital archives of the engravings at institutions like the Natural History Museum in London. Additionally, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew often features reproductions in their botanical collections.
What regions do the plants in The Banks' Florilegium feature?
The collection primarily focuses on the flora discovered in Polynesesis and other regions visited during Captain James Cook's first voyage around the world. This includes detailed records of newly discovered plants from Brazil, Tahiti, New Zealand, and the eastern coast of Australia. It serves as a vital historical snapshot of biodiversity before heavy European colonization.
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