A Passion for Plants: Contemporary Botanical Masterworks

London: Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2003. Reprint . Hardcover. Fine/Fine. 4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall. Hardcover in unclipped dustjacket which is clean and bright, without chips or tears. Green cloth gilt: all in fine condition. Contents clean and white without bookplates, inscriptions or markings. A fine example of this beautiful book which is scarce in hardcover. 264 pp. The resurgence of interest in botanical art around the world has been in no small measure due to Shirley Sherwood who has travelled the globe seeking out new artists, and exhorting, cajoling and influencing them to produce work of stunning vitality and originality. Through her series of constantly travelling exhibitions, this work has reached a wide audience and as a result, a host of new clubs, societies and classes have sprung up, devoted to botanical art. 'A Passion for Plants' is the author's homage to the renaissance of this art form. The best of contemporary botanical art has been assembled from her own collection - the most comprehensive in the world - and paired with her own recollections of the artists and their method of working. Very often a painting is seen in detail to more easily understand the artist's style. In her extensive introduction, Dr. Sherwood compares the best of this new work with the great artists of the past like Redouté, Ehret and the Bauer brothers. Over 200 paintings are reproduced to illustrate the quality and originality of so many of the artists working today. 4to - over 9¾ - 12" tall. Heavy/oversize book. U.K. postage at default charge but overseas buyers will be asked for extra. Enquiries welcome. All orders professionally packed, tracked and/or signed for, and insured.