Vanda coerulea Bluebeard - Nellie Roberts - Framed art Print

Born in 1972 and died in 1959, Nellie Roberts was the progeny of William and Rebecca Roberts, proprietors of a watchmaker's establishment. During her teenage years, Nellie began to display her floral artwork in the window of her family's shop. The Measures family, local orchid cultivators residing in close proximity on Flodden Road, noticed her stunning depictions of orchids. This occurred at the exact time when the Royal Horticultural Society's (RHS) Orchid Committee was seeking an artist to create life-sised portraits of its prise-winning flowers.

In 1897, Nellie was enlisted for a six-month probation period. She exceeded expectations, remaining with the committee for a remarkable 56 years. With the RHS and for private collectors, she painted more than 4,000 award-winning orchids and a multitude of others for the North of England Orchid Society. She carried out her work in the apartment above the family shop.

Nellie's life concluded on March 29, 1959, with her final resting place in a nondescript public grave at Lambeth Cemetery. However, her legacy lives on. The RHS Orchid Committee continues to use her orchid illustrations as a reference during judgement processes. Furthermore, Nellie's extensive collection of work housed by the RHS showcases a rich chronicle of orchids, their hybrids, and their representation, reflecting an extraordinary accomplishment for this likely self-taught artist.