The Art of Pressed Botanicals

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A precursor of modern day photography and plant illustration, the art of pressing plants dates back to the early scientific expeditions in which botanists would gather and collect plant specimens for later identification and study. The plant was removed from the ground with all of its parts intact, including stems, leaves, flowers and seed capsules, and pressed flat between sheets of paper or bark parchment for easy transportation. The pages of dried pressed plants were then organized in beautiful volumes called herbariums which recorded their scientific names and place of origin, and served as education guides for botanists and naturalists around the world. 

But more than a scientific tool, pressing plants also became a fashionable art, especially during the Victorian era. Fern fronds herbaria were framed and often used in interior decoration, while pressed plants adorned note cards and correspondence. Today, using pressed botanicals as decoration is still a wonderful way to bring nature indoors and collections of framed herbaria are sought after by anyone who enjoys this romantic detail that links us to the past. In the remaining portion of this post I’d love to show you some stunning rooms that feature collections of herbaria, and share with you my favorite source of exquisite pressed specimens. 

Aren’t these rooms wonderful? Each and every one of them is a better version of itself because of the owners’ love of natural elements and the striking effect of herbaria, framed and displayed en-masse. I, too, have started a collection of pressed botanicals and have found a fabulous source for beautiful specimens – Pickers Pride. This shop is stellar and the owner, Richard, is the most gracious Etsy seller I’ve ever come across. If you, too, love herbaria and would like to start a collection of your own, or add to your existing one, make sure to check out his offerings. Below are some of my favorite specimens (had a hard time picking favorites as I do love them all!):

Antique Herbarium – 1046

Antique Herbarium – 1013

Antique Herbaria – 1028

Antique Herbaria -1043

Antique Herbarium – 1012

Antique herbarium -1014

Antique Herbarium – 1008