Charles Johnson, ‘Ferns of Great Britain’ with illustrations by John E. Sowerby, (1855)

John E. Sowerby was the grandson of renowned botanical artist James Sowerby (1757-1822) and evidently inherited his enthusiasm for natural history, as well as his artistic talents.

This is one of several collaborations with botanist Charles Johnson, which included publications on ferns, poisonous plants, grasses and wildflowers. Like other popular guides published in this time period, Johnson described this as ‘a work intended to aid to the less scientific observers and admirers of natural production’. The botanical descriptions are complimented by the Sowerby’s vibrant illustrations, each containing the text ‘J. E. S. Fecit’.

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