Mrs. Delany and Her Circle

About this book

At the age of seventy-two Mary Delany ne Mary Granville (1700-1788) embarked upon a series of nearly a thousand botanical collages or paper mosaics which would prove to be the crowning achievement of her rich creative life. These delicate hand-cut floral designs made by a method of Mrs. Delanys own invention vie with the finest botanical works of her time. More than two centuries later her extraordinary work continues to inspire. Although best known for these collages Mrs. Delany was also an amateur artist woman of fashion and commentator on life and society in 18th-century England and Ireland. Her prolific craft activities not only served to cement personal bonds of friendsh