Gardening duties avoided by Dr. James Compton, who admits being fundamentally lazy.
Hey there! Let's dive into my latest book - "The Redouté Brothers: Masters of Scientific Illustration in Paris." This masterpiece tours the fascinating lives and works of the three Redouté brothers, who were star artists based in the tumultuous Paris during the French Revolution, Napoleon's reign, and beyond. The eldest, Antoine-Ferdinand, was a renowned mural and landscape painter. Pierre-Joseph, the second, earned his fame depicting plants for botanists at the Jardin du Roi - a place that later evolves into the Jardin des Plantes of the Museum d'Histoire Naturel. Lastly, Henri-Joseph, another talent, accompanied Napoleon on his Egyptian campaign and also painted plants on vellum for the King's Vellums or Vélins du Roi in Paris.
Book Information:Title: The Redouté Brothers: Masters of Scientific Illustration in ParisAuthors: Hans Walter Lack, James Compton and Martin CallmanderPrice: £40.99Publisher: NHBSISBN: 978-2383270201
What valuable insights did I glean from writing this book? I uncovered a wealth of knowledge about French history and the historical evolution of botanical illustration. For one, I discovered how botanical painting differed from flower painting, and I gained an appreciation for the significance of the science of natural history during that era in Paris.
What books adorn my shelves? My shelves hold a myriad of botanical and horticultural books - including old classics and modern works. I hold an affinity for books like Philip Miller's The Gardeners Dictionary of 1768 with its captivating, historical descriptions and elegant, printed illustrations. In contrast, I'm equally charmed by contemporary field guides to various parts of the world that boast vivid, modern illustrations. Beyond my professional interest, I'm drawn to historical crime novels! At the moment, I'm deeply engrossed in SG MacLean's Seeker series, narrated from the perspective of a captain working for John Thurloe during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell.
What sparked my passion for gardening? You'd be surprised, but my love for gardening was kindled by bonfires and my mother's adoration for wildflowers! There was nothing more hypnotic or gratifying as a child than standing by a bonfire, although nowadays, I favor composting for its environmentally friendly benefits. My father, a Latin scholar and excellent jazz pianist, ignited my fascination with plants by teaching me the botanical name of the dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) when I was barely seven years old.
My Favorite Garden: I've always been enchanted by Rousham House garden. Its idyllic charm stems from its absence of commercialization. With its charming walled garden that could have inspired The Secret Garden, an enormous old-fashioned dovecote, and a picturesque rill winding through a wooded area into a small pond, William Kent's simple landscape, Rousham House exudes a relaxing and atmospheric ambiance.
Plans for My Garden: To my luck (or perhaps my wife's genius), I entrust all the planning to my remarkable garden designer. In a designated corner known as the Play Pen, I can indulge my passion for plant collections procured on our international expeditions with my two dear friends John d'Arcy and Martyn Rix.
Gardening Mishaps: I have experienced countless failures in gardening. One particularly regrettable loss was a silver-variegated Sarcococca confusa branch that failed to root and another being a new species of Buddleja with giant, fragrant white flowers we discovered high up in the Yunnan province in China, but the seed never germinated. Sadly, I have lost several fantastic plants due to over or under-watering, especially during the winter months.
Guilty Gardening Secrets: Like many, I'm guilty of procrastination when it comes to certain gardening chores. I am ashamed to admit that I put off weeding in March and April until the last possible moment. Invariably, I neglect to eliminate bindweed, which thrives in the same conditions as compost!
- This book, "The Redouté Brothers: Masters of Scientific Illustration in Paris," enlightens me about the evolution of landscape painting and botanical illustration within the environment of Paris during a pivotal historical era.
- My home-and-garden bookshelves feature an array of horticultural and botanical works, ranging from historical classics like Philip Miller's "The Gardeners Dictionary" to modern day field guides with vibrant illustrations.
- My passion for gardening was ignited by the mesmerizing bonfires of my childhood and my mother's love for wildflowers, as well as my father's introduction to the botanical name of the dawn redwood at an early age.
- The Rousham House garden, with its enchanting walled garden, picturesque rill, and relaxing atmosphere, is my favorite among many gardens globally.
- In my garden design plans, I collaborate with a skilled garden designer to incorporate my collection of plants procured from international expeditions, which will be showcased in a designated corner known as the Play Pen.
- Despite my experience and knowledge, I have encountered numerous gardening failures, such as a silver-variegated Sarcococca confusa branch that failed to root, a new species of Buddleja from the Yunnan province in China that never germinated, and the loss of several plants due to inadequate watering during the winter months. I also struggle with procrastination when it comes to certain gardening chores, including weeding and eliminating bindweed.
