Description:
This is a beautiful first edition folio print from William Rickatson Dykes' classic monograph Notes on Tulip Species, published in 1930 by Herbert Jenkins Limited, London. Illustrations are from the original watercolors of his wife, Elsie Katherine Dykes, who also edited the work.
William Dykes was a highly-respected authority on the study of irises at the turn of the century. Through his research, he established the modern taxonomy of irises and described each species in extensive detail, sorting out previous mistakes in classification and identification. His monograph The Genus Iris coupled this exceptional scientific research with the elegant watercolor illustrations of F.H. Rounds. In 1927, the American Iris Society honored the legacy of his work with the Dykes Memorial Medal, its highest award, bestowed on only one iris per year.
Dykes was also an avid gardener, and together with his wife Katherine planted over 30,000 tulips in their garden. Dykes was killed in an accident in December 1925, shortly after being awarded the Victoria Medal of Honor for his work. Katherine provided the illustrations necessary to complete this beautiful monograph on tulips, which was published posthumously in 1930.
Print condition:
Overall excellent on sturdy satin finish paper that is a creamy antique white in color.
Print size:
Approximately 10¾ x 14¾"
