With brush in hand and spirit unbound,
Marianne North, the world she found.
From Borneo's greens to Chile's hue,
Her fierce heart painted each view true.
Marianne North stands out as an iconic Victorian-era figure known for her deep love for botanical painting. Venturing beyond the typical boundaries of her time, she was a fervent traveller, trekking across continents in her quest to capture the beauty of plants.
From 1871 to 1885, North's commitment to her craft was evident as she painted over 800 pieces while travelling through 17 countries across six continents. Her travels spanned from North and Central America, covering places like the USA, Canada, and Jamaica, to South America's Brazil and Chile, and even to the corners of Europe in Tenerife. Her passion led her across Asia to Japan, Singapore, Sarawak, Java, Sri Lanka, and India, as well as to Australasia, visiting Australia and New Zealand, and finally to Africa, exploring South Africa and the Seychelles.
What makes her journey even more remarkable is that she undertook all these adventures solo, in traditional Victorian attire. Differing from most botanical artists, North favoured oil paints for her masterpieces. North embarked on a global voyage, capturing the flora of places like California, Japan, Borneo, Java, and Ceylon. Her artwork was frequently exhibited, showcasing her immense talent. In a notable act of generosity in 1879, she communicated with Sir Joseph Hooker, then Director of the Royal Botanical Gardens, offering to donate her art collection and fund a housing facility. In 1880, following Charles Darwin's suggestion, she toured Borneo, Australia, New Zealand, and California, producing a staggering 300 paintings in Australia alone.
Her 1881 visit to Charles Darwin at Down House in Kent was a memorable one. She showcased her Australian artwork, receiving an appreciative note from Darwin on 2nd August 1881, where he lauded her vivid portrayals, reminiscing about his own travel experiences.
The same year, the Marianne North Gallery was unveiled at Kew on June 7th. Committed to preserving her legacy, North ensured her artworks remained a collection in the gallery, with its design unchanged.
Even after the gallery's inauguration, North's wanderlust remained insatiable. By 1884-85, she'd visited South Africa, the Seychelles Islands, and Chile, where she painted her last series.
Marianne North’s legacy isn't just her paintings, but also her tenacity, curiosity, and unyielding spirit, making her an invaluable figure in art and history.