46. FLOWER BOOK- SUTCLIFFE, William [Manuscript title:] A Collection of English Plants, Drawn and Colored by William Sutcliffe. [N.p.: n.d. England, c. 1800]. 6 volumes (of 8, comprising vols. 1,2,5-8). 8vo (255 x 170 mm). Manuscript titles to each volume, 360 watercolor drawings depicting various plants each accompanied by a numbered manuscript descriptions, manuscript indexes at rear of each volume, explanation of abbreviations to rear of vol. 8. Contemporary green straight grain morocco, covers ruled in gilt, spines ruled and lettered in gilt, g.e, marbled endpapers. Condition: leaf before first title excised, minimal spotting; bindings rubbed. Provenance: I & E Foster Bankside (stamp to title of Vol. 1 and other stamps throughout, one dated 1825); Auction sale (possibly Sotheby's, 1/11/73, lot 167).
AN ACCOMPLISHED SERIES OF ALBUMS WITH OVER 350 FINE ORIGINAL WATERCOLORS. Although little is known about William Sutcliffe, the present manuscript makes reference to important herbals and plant books from the 16th to the late 18th century suggesting Sutcliffe had access to a fine library. The latest entry in the bibliography is Curtis' Catalogue of British, Medicinal, Culinary and Agricultural Plants from 1783, suggesting an even earlier date for this work. The 360 watercolors in this work resemble those in the herbals of Elizabeth Blackwell, and the work remains in un-restored condition in contemporary green morocco bindings. (6)
est. $4000 – £6000