Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, initiated in 1787 by William Curtis, is the world’s longest-running periodical dedicated to botanical illustration and description. The first 20 volumes, spanning from 1787 to 1804, serve as a remarkable testament to the rich diversity of plant species and the evolving art of botanical illustration during that era. Each volume meticulously documents various plant species, accompanied by detailed illustrations and descriptions that blend scientific precision with artistic elegance.

William Curtis, an apothecary and botanist, launched the magazine to familiarize readers with ornamental and exotic plants. Prior to this, he had published the Flora Londinensis, focusing on plants around London, but it was not commercially successful. Recognizing a growing public interest in exotic flora, Curtis shifted his focus, leading to the creation of the Botanical Magazine.

The magazine’s early success can be attributed to its high-quality illustrations. Artists like Sydenham Edwards played a pivotal role, contributing over 1,700 illustrations during his tenure. These illustrations were initially hand-colored prints taken from copper engravings, a labor-intensive process involving up to thirty colorists to meet the demand of approximately 3,000 copies per issue.
Despite challenges in maintaining uniformity due to the manual coloring process, the plates have retained their vibrancy over the centuries, showcasing the dedication to accuracy and detail.

Each issue typically featured three plates, each accompanied by a page or two of text. These descriptions provided insights into the plant’s properties, history, growth characteristics, and common names, making the information accessible to both botanists and gardening enthusiasts. The magazine not only highlighted the aesthetic appeal of plants but also emphasized their botanical significance, contributing to the broader understanding of plant biodiversity during a time when many species were being introduced to Europe for the first time.

The first 20 volumes of Curtis’s Botanical Magazine stand as a significant historical record, reflecting the botanical knowledge and horticultural interests of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. They offer valuable insights into the introduction and cultivation of numerous plant species that have since become integral to gardens worldwide. Moreover, these volumes underscore the evolution of botanical art and the collaborative efforts between scientists and artists to document and celebrate plant diversity.