More than a century ago, two visionaries set out to capture the essence of British and Irish trees in an ambitious endeavor. But who would imagine that a project so focused on nature would spark a debate on artistic credit?
Henry John Elwes and Dr. Augustine Henry's journey began over 120 years ago, resulting in the extraordinary Trees of Great Britain and Ireland. This masterpiece, spanning seven volumes and 2022 pages, is a treasure trove of botanical knowledge, featuring 412 captivating photographs and documenting over 500 tree species.
The recently published book, RRB PhotoBooks, shines a spotlight on the previously untold story of photography's role in this iconic work. It includes 64 litho-printed reproductions, accompanied by an insightful essay from photographic historian Michael Pritchard.
The Victorian era's obsession with documenting the world, coupled with advancements in printing and photography, set the stage for this project. The original volumes boasted collotype reproductions, chosen for their tonal richness and detail preservation. However, the photographers who played a pivotal role in this endeavor remain largely uncredited. Elwes's typescript mentions photographers Mr. Wallis and Mr. Foster, but many others who contributed remain anonymous. These photographers, under Elwes's guidance, captured the trees with a scientific eye, focusing on shape, characteristics, and context.
And here's where it gets intriguing: the uncredited photographers were likely given the same instructions as the credited ones, all in the name of consistency. But does this mean their artistic contribution should be overlooked?
Trees of Britain & Ireland, published by RRB PhotoBooks in November 2025, is a modern tribute to this historic work. With a new essay by Pritchard and a postscript by Björn Andersson, it offers a fresh perspective on this botanical adventure. Available in softcover, it's a must-have for nature enthusiasts and those curious about the intersection of art, science, and history.
But wait, there's more to this story! What does the lack of credit for these photographers say about the Victorian era's approach to art and collaboration? Share your thoughts below, and let's explore this fascinating topic further.
