Graves International Art - Elizabeth Blackwell

Elizabeth Blackwell (born 23 April 1699 in Aberdeen–1758) was a botanical illustrator best known as drawer and engraver of the plates for "A Curious Herbal", published between 1737 and 1739. It illustrated medicinal plants in a reference work for the use of physicians and apothecaries. Elizabeth Simpson was the daughter of the painter Leonard Simpson. As a young woman, she was educated in art, music, and languages, and she would have received a substantial dowry from her father.

Simpson married Alexander Blackwell, as he was completing his education at Marischal College. She fled Aberdeen when questions arose regarding his qualifications. In fear that he could be charged for illegal practice, they moved to London. Accounts record that she studied as a midwife with William Smellie, but did not pursue this career due to ‘the ignorance and low character of the women who at that time followed the same calling’. He continued his questionable decision-making in London. Alexander became associated with a publishing firm and established his own printing house in 1730 despite not belonging to a guild or serving the required apprenticeship. Alexander was charged with flouting trade rules and was heavily fined. These heavy fines, in addition to Alexander's lavish spending habits, led to his subsequent stay in Highgate Prison for two years.

References:

"A Curious Herbal", (1737-1739) - Dunthorne 42; "Great Flower Books" page 50; Henrey 450; Hunt 510; Nissen BBI 168; Pritzel 811; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 545; Lisney 175, 180

"Herbarium Blackwellianum Emendatum et Auctum", (c. 1750) - Arnold Aboretum page 86; BLNH I, page 169; Cleveland 444; Great Flower Books 1990, page 75; Nissen BBI 169; Pritzel 812; Stafleu and Cowan 546; Wellcome II, page 174