On Thursday June 9 2022, Auckland Libraries rare book specialist Jane Wild invited the Mackelvie Society to a close up exploration of a very special rare book - Mary Lawrance’s ‘A collection of roses from nature’ printed from 1799.

This breathtakingly beautiful volume of hand painted plates was donated to Auckland Libraries by the Mackelvie Society adding a significant Collection item for enriching research and learning. You can find out more about the Mackelvie Society and how you can support their work here:

https://www.mackelviesociety.com/the-mackelvie-collection

As for this talk stay tuned to hear more context about the rose book from Jane Wild as well as from the guest artist Karin Montgomery whose hand crafted paper rose drew detailed inspiration for Mary Lawrance's work.

Karin's work is available at Anna Miles Gallery here: https://annamilesgallery.com/artists/karin-montgomery/

Both the book and the recreation of Rosa Provincialis B - a Blush province Rose will be available for viewing in the Special Collections Reading Room Level 2, Central City Library during August 2022.

You can view the digitised book on Kura Heritage Collections online:

https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/rarebooks/id/286/rec/1

https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/rarebooks/id/288/rec/1

Image credit: Jane Wild shows the book, photographer Sophie Matthiesson

Music credit: L'Etoile danse (Pt. 1) by Meydän