I recently posted (click here) a plea for information about a mystery artist and botanist called H.Isabel Adams, who produced some delightful wild flower illustrations in an old book that I'd bought. Thanks to the wonder of Twitter, and particularly to the following
@HerbariumDonna
@lukaslarge
@SarahAMorrish
@Haggewoods
@mumblinglylow
@botanicalmartin
... who pointed me in the right direction, I now have some biographical details.
Her full name was Harriet Isabel Adams. She was born in 1863 and trained as an artist at Birmingham School of Art, before becoming a noted Arts and Crafts illustrator, although as far as I can ascertain she only published these wild flower books and a book of fairy tales. Apparently she produced some fine designs for ex libris book plates. She was a Fellow of the Linnaean Society and lived to the age of 89, dying in 1952.
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You have a bargain no matter what it cost.
ReplyDeleteHappy you managed to find out more about her.
£15 at the time, but seems like a better bargain with every passing year!
DeleteThe illustrations are just delightful and so charming - I am so glad you managed to find some information about her. The book looks like a real find :)
ReplyDeleteLoved it ever since I found it on a dusty bookshelf in a second hand bookshop!
Deletethanks for sharing these, such a joy!
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ReplyDeleteI must admit I've been fascinated by old natural history books, and their authors, for many years. Finding out about the authors often gives interesting insights into social history too.
DeleteI just discovered Harriet Isabel Adams work today - and have already fallen in love with it. There is a kind of liveliness and freedom in her line that is really unique. Would love to know more about her and her work - but information seems sparse.
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