James Sowerby

James Sowerby was born in London on March 21, 1757 and was an important British botanist, illustrator and publisher. He is best known for his detailed and colorful illustrations of plants and fungi, which appeared in numerous botanical publications. Sowerby grew up in an artistic family and developed an interest in nature and art at an early age.

He was educated at the Royal Academy of Arts, where he was taught by the famous painter Richard Wright, among others. Sowerby began his career as an illustrator working on botanical books and quickly developed a reputation for his precise and aesthetically pleasing depictions. His illustrations were not only artistically valuable, but also scientifically accurate, making them an important tool for botanists and naturalists.

A significant milestone in Sowerby's career was the publication of English Botany, a monumental work published in 36 volumes between 1790 and 1814. This work, which he produced in collaboration with botanist James Edward Smith, contained over 2,500 hand-coloured engravings and was a significant contribution to the botanical science of its time. Sowerby's ability to capture the fine details and vibrant colours of the plant world made this work an indispensable reference for botanists.

In addition to English Botany, Sowerby worked on numerous other projects, including Coloured Figures of English Fungi or Mushrooms, published between 1797 and 1815. This work was one of the first comprehensive books on fungi in Britain and contributed significantly to the popularisation of mycology. Sowerby's interest in nature was not limited to plants and fungi, however; he also illustrated works on minerals and fossils, which underlines his versatility and wide interest in natural science.