Robert Furber Paintings

Robert Furber was an English horticulturist and nurseryman, best known for his significant contributions to the world of botany and for creating one of the earliest and most elaborate gardening catalogues in England. Born in 1674, Furber's early life details are somewhat obscure, but he is widely recognized for his work during the 18th century, a period when interest in botany, gardening, and plant collection was burgeoning among the British elite and middle classes.

Furber established his nursery in Kensington, near London, which quickly became a hub for exotic plants and innovative gardening techniques. His nursery offered a wide range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and ornamental shrubs, catering to the tastes and demands of the time. Furber was particularly noted for his expertise in fruit tree cultivation and for introducing new plant species to England, thereby enriching the botanical diversity of British gardens.

One of Furber's most enduring legacies is the publication of his monthly catalogue, 'Twelve Months of Flowers,' in 1730. This groundbreaking work consisted of twelve beautifully illustrated plates, each depicting the flowers in bloom for each month of the year. The illustrations were created by the artist Pieter Casteels III, who meticulously painted each flower from specimens provided by Furber. This catalogue not only served as a practical guide for gardeners but also as a magnificent work of art, admired for its detailed and vibrant representations of the flora.

Following 'Twelve Months of Flowers,' Furber published 'Twelve Months of Fruits' in 1732, which followed a similar format and showcased a variety of fruits available throughout the year. These publications were not only valuable for their horticultural information but also as documents of the aesthetic and scientific values of the period. They reflected the growing interest in classification, as well as the desire for beauty and order in the natural world.

Robert Furber passed away in 1756, but his contributions to horticulture and botanical art have left a lasting impact. His works are considered precursors to modern botanical illustration and garden planning, blending scientific curiosity with aesthetic appreciation. Furber's nursery and publications played a key role in popularizing gardening as a pastime and science, influencing generations of gardeners and botanists in Britain and beyond.