Published on Monday, 20 July 2026 at 3:47:27 PM
The profound artistry and scientific precision of one of history’s remarkable botanical artists will be on display when The Botanical World of Mary Delany opens at the Princess Royal Fortress on August 1.
The exhibition showcases 51 images of English artist Mary Delany’s floral paper collages, allowing audiences to view her delicate works side by side in a way that is rarely possible due to the fragility of the original pieces.
Beginning her botanical masterpieces at the age of 72, Delany went on to create an astonishing 985 intricately detailed floral collages over a 10-year period.
Combining art and science, her works are celebrated for their botanical accuracy and exquisite craftsmanship, with some specimens incorporating hundreds of individually cut paper petals.
The exhibition explores Delany’s life, inspiration, technical process and enduring legacy, revealing how an observation of a geranium and a piece of paper sparked a revolutionary artistic practice.
Princess Royal Fortress Military Museum Curator David Theodore said the exhibition offered a fascinating insight into a woman whose creativity flourished later in life and whose work continues to inspire audiences centuries later.
“Mary Delany’s story is extraordinary because it reminds us that innovation and creativity have no age limit,” he said.
“At a time when women had limited opportunities to pursue scientific study, Delany developed a unique artistic technique that produced botanically accurate representations of plants that continue to impress both artists and scientists today.
“Visitors will be amazed to discover that what often appears to be a painting is actually made from countless tiny pieces of water-coloured paper, meticulously cut and assembled by hand.”
The Botanical World of Mary Delany will be on display at the Princess Royal Fortress Married Quarters daily from August 1 until October 24 and is a collaboration between The British Museum and City of Albany.
Cover image: Mary Delany, ‘Papaver rheus, Poppy’ 1779, collage. Image credit: © The Trustees of the British Museum.
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