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1871 Botanical Prints of Paeonia and Butomus from Tunbridge Wells Flora
$145 (£110, €130)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1871
- Size
- 8.7 × 5.5 in (22 × 14 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good condition overall. Hand-coloring remains vivid and precise. The paper shows only minor, even toning, appropriate for its age. No significant foxing or tears. Species names are present and clearly legible.
- Period
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Botanical
- Reference
- f_45102512
- Colour
- Hand coloured
What the condition grades mean
- Excellent
- Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
- Very good
- Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
- Good
- Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
- Fair
- Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
1871 Botanical Prints of Paeonia and Butomus from Tunbridge Wells Flora
Offered here is a striking pair of original 19th-century botanical prints from The Flowering Plants of Tunbridge Wells and Neighbourhood by Richard Deakin, published in 1871 by Stidolph & Bellamy and Groombridge & Sons, London. These finely detailed plates depict Paeonia corallina (Coral Peony) and Butomus umbellatus (Flowering Rush), two elegant flowering species native to parts of Europe and found in the Tunbridge Wells region of England.
Rendered with scientific precision and colored by hand, these prints reflect the Victorian era’s passion for botany, natural classification, and the visual arts. Each flower is represented in its full structural form, with careful attention to botanical accuracy, showing stems, leaves, blossoms, and reproductive parts where applicable.
The *Paeonia corallina* features deep crimson petals and vibrant green foliage, while the *Butomus umbellatus* is notable for its light pink clustered blooms atop tall, sinuous stems, its root and bulb details meticulously illustrated alongside. These prints exemplify the dual nature of botanical works of the 19th century: simultaneously scientific documents and refined decorative art.
These plates come from one of the more specialized and regionally focused British botanical publications of the period, making them relatively rare in the market. Their historic link to the Tunbridge Wells flora gives them additional geographic and academic interest.
Condition Report:
Good condition overall. Hand-coloring remains vivid and precise. The paper shows only minor, even toning, appropriate for its age. No significant foxing or tears. Species names are present and clearly legible.
Framing Suggestions:
For the best visual impact and preservation, these prints should be framed in matching frames with archival mats and UV-protective glass. A neutral mount (ivory or pale grey) will complement the organic colors while enhancing their Victorian charm. Ideal for hallways, libraries, studies, or conservatories, especially in botanical or period-themed interiors.
Keywords:
Victorian botanical prints, 19th-century flower illustration, Tunbridge Wells flora, antique peony print, flowering rush artwork, Paeonia corallina engraving, Butomus umbellatus lithograph, Richard Deakin botanicals, hand-colored floral prints, rare British wildflowers, natural history art, vintage plant studies, original botanical engravings, 1870s English flora
