E. Blackwell (1700- 1759)

One of the most remarkable artists of early botanical art, Elizabeth Blackwell (London, 1700- 1759), is said to have become an artist in order to obtain funds to free her husband, Dr. Alexander Blackwell, from debtors' prison. Hearing that a work upon plants with medicinal qualities was needed, She made frequent trips to the nearby Chelsea Physic Garden to observe and draw the plants. Elizabeth compiled 'A Curious Herbal', with the support of Sir Hans Sloane and the help of Philip Miller and others. She was also amongst the first botanical artists to actually engrave her own designs rather than hiring a professional engraver. Altogether, the undertaking took her six full years to complete and in the end she was able to free her husband.