Sydenham Edwards

Crown Imperial Lily and Hollow-root Snapdragon: Fruitillaria imperialis and Fumaria cava.

English artists were latecomers to the art of botanical illustration and until the late eighteenth century, most of the fine botanical illustration produced in England was the work of continental emigres. Towards the end of the 18th century, however, a school of native talent began to emerge under the direction of William Curtis (1746 -99).

Sydenham Edwards was discovered by Curtis when he was still a young boy living in Wales. He responded well to Curtis' tuition and soon became one of Curtis' most gifted proteges. Edward’s treatment of exotic plants was particularly admired. Together with William Kilburn and James Sowerby, he quickly became one of the three principle artists responsible for the illustrations to Curtis's Botanical Magazine. Edwards remained with the Magazine for a period of 28 years, continuing to provide drawings even after the death of Curtis in 1799.

In 1815, as a result of a misunderstanding with Curtis's successor, Edwards broke away from the Magazine and started the rival Botanical Register. This fine work was published in 33 volumes between 1815 and 1845. All 2717 copperplate engravings were executed by F. Sansom after drawings by Edwards. The hand-colouring on each is rich and bold, adding depth and stridency to Edwards' strong compositions.