LOUISA ANNE MEREDITH - A Cool Debate

THE ARTWORK

"A Cool Debate" is Plate 8 from "Some of My Bush Friends in Tasmania" by Louisa Anne Meredith, first published in 1860. The original lithograph from which this print has been made is in the Ohara Prints collection and is from the second edition, published in 1891.

"Some of My Bush Friends in Tasmania" is a beautifully illustrated book exploring the flora and fauna of Tasmania, Australia, and combines Meredith's detailed botanical illustrations with engaging, descriptive prose, providing readers with an intimate look at the island's unique natural environment. Each entry includes meticulous drawings of plants, insects, and animals, accompanied by Meredith's observations and anecdotes.

The book reflects her deep appreciation for the natural world and her desire to share this with a broader audience. Meredith's ability to capture the intricate details of her subjects, along with her informative and often poetic commentary, makes the book a significant contribution to both natural history and art. "Some of My Bush Friends in Tasmania" stands as a testament to Meredith's talent as an illustrator and her commitment to documenting the richness of Tasmania's biodiversity.

THE ARTIST

Louisa Anne Meredith (1812-1895) was a notable Victorian author, poet, and illustrator born in Birmingham, England. She moved to Australia in 1839 after marrying her cousin, Charles Meredith. Her works provide a unique perspective on early Australian colonial life, particularly in Tasmania, where she spent most of her life. Meredith's keen observational skills and talent for detailed illustrations made her a distinguished figure in both literary and artistic circles.

Her notable works include "Notes and Sketches of New South Wales" (1844), "My Home in Tasmania" (1852) and "Some Of My Bush Friends In Tasmania" (1860) which blend descriptive prose with her own illustrations. These books offer valuable insights into the natural environment and social conditions of her time. Meredith's ability to depict the flora and fauna of Australia with precision and artistry was highly praised.

Beyond her writing and illustrating, Meredith was an advocate for women's rights and social issues, often using her platform to address the challenges faced by women in the colonies. Her contributions to literature and art were recognized posthumously, cementing her legacy as a pioneering female figure in Australian cultural history.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit