Description
Limited Edition Floral Print – Geranium from Volume II of the 1st Duchess of Beaufort’s florilegium – Limited Print Run of 300
Captioned ‘African Geranium’, this is actually a pelargonium, although they are often given the common name ‘geranium’. Native to South Africa, this is one of the many African plants that the duchess would have acquired from the Cape of Good Hope via her links to botanists in the Netherlands (the Cape of Good Hope was a Dutch colony at this time, so plants from there arrived in England via Holland). This pelargonium bears some resemblance to the ‘Milfield Gem’ the Hybrid Ivy Pelargonium that grows all over the walls of the conservatories at Badminton.
In 1703, Mary Somerset, first Duchess of Beaufort, commissioned Everard Kik, a Dutch botanical artist, to create a series of paintings. These showcased the extraordinary variety of plants she had grown from seeds sent to her from all over the world. They later bound the final collection of 178 paintings into a two-volume album, a “florilegium.” Badminton House holds the album, where Mary lived and grew many of her plants.
Reflecting on her passion for plants, Duchess Mary once wrote, “When I get into stories of plants, I know not how to get out.” Indeed, her legacy flourishes at Badminton Estate, where her early interests have shaped the stunning gardens and glasshouses that captivate visitors to this day. In 2024, for the first time in 300 years, the public had the opportunity to view these works of art. The exhibition provided a rare glimpse into the Duchess’s phenomenal botanical collection. These timeless artworks showcase the diverse flora Duchess Mary nurtured and highlight her profound influence on scientific exploration and cultural appreciation of nature.
This exclusive limited edition floral print will enchant any bedroom wall and make a wonderful gift.
