Whenever visiting places not normally open to the public I’m struck by the range of hidden enclaves. Such is the Linnean Society, one of several societies housed in Burlington House in London.
As the name suggests, this is a natural science society, the oldest one in the world, and still very active in all aspects of the life sciences.
Amongst its many treasures are these beautifully delicate botanical illustrations. All photos are skewed as I was trying to avoid direct light on glass.
This book from 1542 by Leonhard Fuchs is remarkable in that the three artists involved in its production are credited with both their names and portraits: Albrecht Meyer (botanical illustrator), Heinrich Füllmaurer (woodblock draughtsman) and Veit Rudolf Speckle (wood engraver)
