Beckler's Botanical Beauts
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We are a group of Australian botanical artists who are celebrating the work of
Dr. Hermann Beckler, a botanical collector who was the doctor on the Victorian Exploring Expedition on its famous journey across the continent more than 150 years ago. We are collecting and painting the same plants as Beckler collected in September - October 1860. As botanical artists we aim to revive interest in his collection and contribute comparative material valuable for research in the plant sciences. In the Menindee area, approximately 120 plant species have been identified to document and illustrate. Species are collected for the National Herbarium of Victoria and the New South Wales Herbarium. The paintings, with their accompanying pressed specimens, are planned for exhibition. Our aim is to encourage plant documentation and collection, to inspire interest and educate new groups into the culture and value of herbaria and to develop a rich data resource for further scientific study. |