Lilium Nanum

A beautiful color collotype print from a later limited edition of Henry John Elwes book "A Supplement to Elwes' Monograph of the Genus Lilium published in London by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1960.These beautiful color collotype prints were illustrated by renowned Australian botanical artist, Margaret Stones, who was also the principal artist for Curtis' Botanical Magazine for many years. The total edition size for this work was 1,000 copies with 40 hand-colored copies. Overall this print is of superior quality on crisp white paper with dimensions of 14.5"x21.5". H. J. Elwes published the original "Monograph of the Genus Lilium" in 1877-80. In this monumental work a series of magnificent plates represented all the lilies at that time in cultivation in Great Britain. The illustrations were all drawn from living specimens. Elwes recognized that his work was incomplete, as many other species had still to be introduced into European cultivation. It was characteristic of his enthusiasm and energy that immediately on publication of his monograph he began the long and laborious task of collecting material for a supplement. This he pursued for many years, and although unfortunately he passed away before its completion. Arthur Grove, an associate working with Elwes to assemble material for the publication continued with the project. Grove had devoted a long life to the cultivation and study of lilies. Mr. D. Cotton, keeper of the Herbarium at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, was also instrumental to its publication as .was Lillian Snelling who illustrated the book. The result of these endeavors was a valuable supplement, which was produced in the same form as the original monograph. Overall this print is in very good condition with some light foxing and staining.