Art Gallery images

Vibrant chromolithographed illustrations from the French monthly rose journal founded by Scipion Cochet (1833-1896). ‘Journal des Roses’ was a magazine started by a rose grower for rose lovers and it was a popular magazine from its foundation in 1877 until its demise at the beginning of World War 1.

Every month there would be a coloured illustration, a few of which can be seen here, taken from the journals for 1885 and 1886.

The library holds journals from the years 1885, 1886, 1887 and 1888. The twelve copies from each year are bound into attractive volumes. I will photograph these together with some other French books for the library section.

During the 19th century, early 20th century, it was extremely expensive to illustrate a book about roses using colour. Where images were used wood cut images were preferred. The one or two books that did contain colour were either books including images painted and lithographed by the author such as ‘Beauties of the Rose’ by Henry Curtis or ‘Rosarium Monographia’ by John Lindley or a book such as ‘The Rose Garden’ by William Paul for which, after much hard work, the author managed to acquire sponsorship.

Fortunately for us, 150 years or more later, the illustrations within some of these books have remained just as bright and beautiful as when first printed. For some of us the illustrations will have far greater appeal than the text!

There are many more beautiful paintings of gardens used to illustrate a range of gardening books published at the beginning of the century by these and other artists. No doubt I will share some of these at a later date.

A few paintings of roses to be found on early 20th century postcards. I think you will agree; they are worth collecting. . . . . .

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