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William Curtis (1746-99) was one of 18th century Britain’s best known horticulturists. He was born in Alton, Hampshire where he trained as a pharmacist. He then moved to London and set up his own business. His business proved sufficiently successful for him to sell out and he was then able to devote himself to the study of plants. Curtis grew and collected from around the world some 6,000 species of plants for his garden.

The Botanical Magazine was founded by William Curtis in 1787 and was published semiannually in London. It was the first periodical to provide gardeners with important horticultural information. He enlisted some of the counties finest artists, engravers, and professional colorists to accurately recreate all of the detail and colorful nuances of the many plants and flowers he collected.  Some of the most important English botanical illustrators of the time, including Sydenham Edwards, James Sowerby, William Kilburn and Walter Fitch illustrated each issue with water colored engravings. The engravings were incredibly popular and not just with botanists and gardeners. People from all walks of life marveled at the beauty of these hand-painted pieces

After he died, his work was continued by his brother Thomas Curtis and later on by his son-in-law Samuel Curtis.

All of these are the actual water colored engravings. As can be expected for art work created in the late 1700’s to early 1800’s, many have some wear.  Most are in very nice condition with good color. Please let us know which ones you are interested in and we will be happy to let you know about the condition.