Strickland, Charlotte, Juliana Sabina, and Frances.

4 volumes, folio, various sizes (from 371 x 225 to 505 x 417mm.), 3 volumes containing 144 fine original botanical watercolours, most interleaved with descriptive manuscript text, one larger volume containing 31 engraved proof plates by William Skelton after Charlotte Strickland, 21 hand-coloured, with ink and pencil annotations by Charlotte Strickland, contemporary blue morocco gilt, the watercolour volumes labelled "British Botany MSS vol. 9 [10, 11]", rebacked retaining original spines

Apperley Court, Gloucestershire; "The Property of a Gentleman", sale, Christie's, 25 October 1995, lots 88 and 90

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Rare original watercolours for a never-completed survey of British flora. The talented Strickland sisters, Charlotte and Juliana, and their niece Frances, were to have had their work published by their cousin Stickland Freeman; in the end only two parts of Select Specimens of British Plants were published, from 1797, containing 10 plates. The present group of watercolours comprise mainly fungi, also with some seaweed, mosses, and lichens.

The volume of proof plates is a fascinating glimpse into the world of botanical illustration – Charlotte Strickland's comments generally show her dissatisfaction with the work at hand, including observations that colour has been laid on "too thick, too blue", and that one of the artists has "promised much & performed little".