Book Review: Botanical Sketch Books
Collected Noted and Illustrations…
A collection of beautiful images and notes originally caught between the pages of botanical artist’s sketchbooks. This book written and curated by Helen and William Bynum is a treasure trove for those who both swoon at gorgeous botanical illustrations and sketches and marvel at the detail of study these explorers, adventurers and collectors accomplished.
Richard Dreyer
The above image is the sketchbook of clergyman and plant enthusiast, Richard Dreyer. It’s one of my favorite profiles. He spent his life in the English countryside and its parishes, and there’s something about both his layout and the illustrative style that just looks so English. They’re absolutely whimsical, and I love the way he charmingly ‘improved upon his copy’ of a printed manuscript by illustrating it with his own sketches, as the authors note.
Over 80 Artists and 275 Illustrations…
There are over 80 artists represented in the book and they are included in groups such as Botanists, Naturalists, Making Art, etc.
Some of the sketchbooks selected for this compilation are semi-rough, some are complete and polished. Personally, I like the ones that are a little of both and include the handwriting of the sketcher.
There’s good information on each artist and for the person who reads cover to cover, they won’t be disappointed.
John Champion
That said, I’m going to guess many will use this book more for visual inspiration. If you’re someone who follows sketch journalers on instagram, you’ll love this book. The styles are varied but there’s a sense of seriousness that goes a little deeper than what I usually see done today on social media. It’s apparent the people producing the images and notes within The Botanical Sketchbooks are aiming for accuracy, especially the ones that were produced with the idea they would be used for scientific study.
Charles Rennie Mackintosh
From the 15th-20th Centuries
It’s interesting to compare the sketchbooks from different time periods - the book covers those from the 15th-20th centuries. Charles Rennie Mackintosh is included and his lovely drawings look like they would fit right in with a room full of his Glasgow style, Art & Crafts, furniture designs.
Arthur Harry Church
There’s an image above (L) by Arthur Harry Church from 1907 that brings Georgia O’Keefe’s art to mind. However, it’s his image of a Hypericum calycinum (R) from 1905, that I love.
Santiago Cortés
Overall, there are more than 275 illustrations in this in-depth look at botanical artists, sketchers and observers. Each one is delightful inspiration whether you are an aspiring or professional botanical artist, botanist, gardener or collector of these beautiful works of art.
You can find Botanical Sketchbooks at many libraries or online here. Note, my hardback copy was published in 2017, the one this links to is a paperback edition from 2023.