Priscilla Susan Bury, British botanist (d. 1872)

Priscilla Susan Bury, born Falkner, was a distinguished English botanist and highly accomplished botanical illustrator whose significant contributions to the scientific and artistic fields spanned the 19th century. Born on 12 January 1799 in Liverpool and passing away on 8 March 1872 in Croydon, she left an indelible mark through her meticulous illustrations of exotic and native flora.

Early Life and Botanical Foundations

Born into an affluent Liverpool family, Priscilla Susan Falkner developed an early passion for natural history and botanical studies. This privileged background afforded her access to extensive private libraries, botanical gardens, and the tutelage of notable figures in the scientific community, which was crucial for her development as both a botanist and an artist. Her interest in documenting plants transcended mere amateur enthusiasm, evolving into a dedicated pursuit of scientific accuracy combined with artistic excellence.

A Selection of Hexandrian Plants: Her Magnum Opus

Priscilla Susan Bury is most widely celebrated for her monumental work, A Selection of Hexandrian Plants, published between 1831 and 1834. This exquisite folio is considered one of the most magnificent botanical books of its era, distinguished by its exceptionally large format and the superb quality of its illustrations. The work features 35 hand-colored aquatint plates, primarily executed by the renowned engraver Robert Havell Jr., who also famously worked on John James Audubon's Birds of America. Bury’s original drawings, from which these plates were produced, showcased a remarkable precision and an artistic flair that captured the vibrancy and intricate details of a wide array of hexandrous plants – those possessing six stamens.

The creation of A Selection of Hexandrian Plants was a collaborative and ambitious undertaking. It was notably supported by the botanist William Roscoe, a prominent figure in Liverpool's intellectual circles, who served as a significant patron and encouraged her artistic and scientific endeavors. The book’s subscribers, who largely funded its production, were drawn from an elite group of naturalists, collectors, and wealthy individuals across Europe, underscoring its significant appeal and importance within the scientific community of the time.

Legacy and Impact

Priscilla Susan Bury's work as a botanist and illustrator significantly contributed to the understanding and appreciation of plant diversity during a period of burgeoning scientific discovery. Her ability to combine rigorous scientific observation with breathtaking artistic execution set a high standard for botanical illustration. Her detailed and vibrant depictions provided valuable visual records for botanical research, while also serving as works of art in their own right, inspiring generations of artists and naturalists. Her life exemplifies the contributions of women in science who, despite societal constraints, made profound impacts on their fields through dedication and talent.

Frequently Asked Questions about Priscilla Susan Bury

Who was Priscilla Susan Bury?

Priscilla Susan Bury (née Falkner) was an acclaimed English botanist and botanical illustrator of the 19th century, best known for her exceptional folio A Selection of Hexandrian Plants.

What is A Selection of Hexandrian Plants?

It is Priscilla Susan Bury’s most famous work, a large-format botanical book published from 1831 to 1834. It contains 35 hand-colored aquatint plates illustrating various hexandrous (six-stamened) plants, drawn by Bury and engraved primarily by Robert Havell Jr.

When and where was Priscilla Susan Bury born and did she die?

She was born on 12 January 1799 in Liverpool and passed away on 8 March 1872 in Croydon, England.

What made her botanical illustrations significant?

Her illustrations were notable for their scientific accuracy, intricate detail, vibrant coloring, and artistic quality, setting a high benchmark for botanical art and providing invaluable visual documentation for botanical studies during the 19th century.

Who supported her work on A Selection of Hexandrian Plants?

Her work was notably supported by the botanist and patron William Roscoe, and funded by a distinguished list of subscribers from across Europe.