Sydenham Edwards

Sydenham Edwards 1768-1819

Edwards was the principal artist for Curtis' Botanical Magazine from 1787-1815. Following a disagreement with the director of that publication, he commenced his rival "The Botanical Register or Ornamental Flower Garden and Shrubbery consisting of Coloured Figures of Plants and Shrubs, cultivated in British Gardens". It was published by James Ridgway, in London, 1815-1847. Observers have commented that the artistic style is freer than the Botanical Magazine which is logical given that it was Edwards' own publication. He is considered one of the very best botanical artists in the British School. His obituary refers to him as "an accurate and able botanical and animal draughtsman... surpassed by few." With his wealth of illustrations he was able to bring botany to the general public in a way seldom achieved before or since.

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