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Sydney Parkinson Research Paper

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As a young person I was captivated and intrigued by the tales of early explorers and naturalists, especially the British. Captain James Cook’s voyages especially sparked my sense of adventure and curiosity. Being among the first westerners to have contact with unknown cultures must have been magnificent. To be exposed to foreign languages, material culture, flora and fauna and then to have the opportunity to record the life-style and environment for generations to glimpse is extraordinary. Sydney Parkinson was one of these fortunate people who was in the right place -at the right time, to work in the capacity of one of botanical artist on-board the first voyage to the South Seas on board the Endeavor , captained by James Cook and hired by Sir Joseph Banks. He was one of the early explorers to …show more content…

This is where his life took a turn. He now was exposed to a wealthy and influential circle of people in the world of natural history and botany who recognized his talents and skills as an artist. He was introduced to James Lee, also a Quaker, who had a major influence in botanical enterprises in England. Lee, for a time, was employed at the Chelsea Physic Gardens; published the first book written I English titled, An Introduction to Botany which introduced the principles of Linnaeus classification; partnered with Louis Kennedy in establishing the Vineyard Nursery, and the infamous French Botanical artist Pierre-Joseph Redoute also stayed with the Lee’s for a period of time. Needless to say, Lee was influential and esteemed in the field of botany and the natural sciences. Lee saw Parkinson’s early flower paintings which were exhibited at the Free Society in London in 1766 – he was so impressed by Parkinson’s ability, that he hired him to tutor his 13 year old daughter, Ann. Several of her adult paintings are now at Kew. (Parkinson Journal, Carr

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