'William Curtis was one of 18th century Britain’s best known horticulturists. He grew and collected an incredible array of plants from around the world. In the late 1700’s, Curtis decided to have his botanical drawings printed for sale to the British public. He enlisted some of the counties finest artists, engravers, and professional colorists to accurately recreate all of the detail and colorful nuances of the many plants and flowers he collected. In 1787 he began selling these works. They were incredibly popular and not just with botanists and gardeners. People from all walks of life marveled at the beauty of these hand-painted pieces. His family continued to publish Curtis engravings for many years after his death in 1799.'

                                from Past Present Gallery