Botanical Wall Charts in the Classroom

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Botanical Wall Charts in the Classroom

May 6, 2011 by Tania Marien

Lydia Kirchner at opening reception. (Courtesy: Randolph College. Photo by Brenda Edson)

Last year when Lydia Kirchner was taking courses in botany and museum studies, members of the Biology Department at Randolph College in Lynchburg, VA discovered botanical wall charts in the attic of the life science building. The wall charts were in very good condition, so the Biology Department contacted Randolph’s Maier Museum of Art to inform them of their discovery. One thing led to another and Kirchner was chosen to research the history of the wall charts and to curate an exhibition about the charts at the Maier Museum.

The exhibition Nature Perfected: The Art of Botanical Illustration, opened on January 23, 2011. Twelve of the wall charts are on view, along with pressed plant specimens, a 1920s microscope and microscope slides from the late 1800s emphasizing the significance of the wall charts and how they enhance our understanding of plants at a microscopic level.

Many of the charts discovered in the attic were created by Jung, Koch, Quentell in the 1950’s. Their trademark black background and colorful illustrations are still vibrant in spite of lying in an attic for many years.

Botanical wall charts have a history dating back to the 1800s. They were created during a time of educational reform in Germany. The first wall charts were created in the 1820’s, mostly for use in primary schools. In the 1840s, the student population increased 108% while the number of teachers increased only 40%. Wall charts made it possible for teachers to show supporting visuals in large classrooms filled with students.

From 1850 to 1890, botanical wall charts became very popular with the advent of color lithography. Contributing to the popularity of wall charts by Jung, Koch, Quentell specifically, is their absence of text. Because they do not contain text, the charts do not have to be translated. This makes the charts by Jung, Koch, Quentell very versatile.

Included in the exhibition are an original print by John James Audubon from the Maier Museum’s permanent collection, a 14th-century illuminated manuscript and four books from the College’s Lipscomb Library rare books collection. The books on display include:

Beautiful Ferns

This book features original watercolor drawings after nature accompanied with descriptive text. Although not intended for the classroom, the illustrations have captured scientific detail with artistic quality.

The Birds of America, Vol. 1
John James Audubon
Roe Lockwood and Son (1859)
Lipscomb Library, Randolph College

The Birds of America is a collection of drawings by Audubon of birds from nature, accompanied by descriptive text. Published in seven volumes in 1840, the scientific illustrations capture idealized forms of nature with outstanding artistic expression. Audubon was recognized as both an artist and scientist for his drawings, and is still greatly celebrated and influential today.

Conversations on Vegetable Physiology: Comprehending the Elements of Botany, with their Application to Agriculture
Mrs. Janet Marcet, adapted for use of school by Rev. John L. Blake, 7th Edition
E.L. Carey and A. Hart, Philadelphia (1837)
Lipscomb Library, Randolph College

Originally written by a woman, this classroom text was commonly called Blake’s Botany. The book features colored engravings that resemble the wall charts but include labels identifying specific structures.

Manuscript Leaf of a Vulgate Bible
ca. mid- to late- 14th century
Lipscomb Library, Randolph College

Illuminated manuscripts have a long tradition of botanical illustration used as a decorative border. The long and difficult process of hand painting each illustration limited the number of manuscripts available until early printing technology was developed in the 15th century using woodcut blocks and engravings.

The Georgics of Virgil
Translated by John Dryden
Jacob Tonson, London (1697); reprint Cheshire House, New York (1931)

A reproduction of Virgil’s poetic Georgics written in 29 B.C.E. accompanied with detailed engravings serving as a farmer’s manual teaching man about nature and the hardships of agriculture and field labor.

Nature Perfected: The Art of Botanical Illustration will be at the Maier Museum of Art through July 31, 2011. Summer viewing hours from May through August are 1-4 PM, Wednesday through Sunday.

Exhibition Preview
Thank you to Lydia Kirchner and the Maier Museum of Art for sharing their wonderful exhibition with us. The gallery images below are provided courtesy of Lydia Kirchner.