Generous donation has huge historical significance
by Polly Catlin-Maybury
Puke Ariki has welcomed a very special addition to the collection.
The Banks' Florilegium consists of seven hundred and thirty-eight botanical prints which illustrate the plants collected by eminent natural historians Joseph Banks and Daniel Carl Solander on Captain James Cook's first voyage round the world on the Endeavour between 1768-1771.
The historical significance of Volumes 21 and 22, containing 46 prints of New Zealand plants collected during the expedition, is staggering.
“It is hard not to stand in awe in front of these volumes with their flawless drawings,” says Fi Emberton, Puke Ariki Manager. “But they are so much more than just beautiful illustrations of plants and flowers. They are the physical record of the beginning of New Zealand colonial history.”
Thanks to the generosity of Bryce and Delwyn Barnett, the prints have been given to the people of Taranaki in a donation facilitated by the Puke Ariki Development Charitable Trust (PADCT).
“Delwyn and I felt compelled to take this rare opportunity to bring these wonderful works to Puke Ariki , not only because Taranaki would be the perfect home for these botanical prints, but also because of their cultural history. It was also great chance to expand Puke Ariki’s already fantastic collection.” says Bryce
“As people who enjoy beautiful gardens ourselves and especially the results of other peoples labour in their own gardens, we believe it is a fitting treasure for the people of Taranaki to share.”
Published between 1980-and 1990 these prints are the first colour reproductions from the original eighteenth-century copperplates, which were made of the exceptional drawings done by the Endeavour’s botanical artist Sydney Parkinson. These copperplates were bequeathed by Sir Joseph Banks to the British Museum.
The Florilegium, and the amazing stories behind it, will be the subject of an exhibition next year.