Marjorie Blamey

Marjorie Netta Blamey MBE (13 March 1918 – 8 September 2019) was an English painter and illustrator, particularly noted for her botanical illustrations for which she was described as "the finest living botanical illustrator", "the best contemporary botanical illustrator" and "the top illustrator in Europe" in reviews around the world.

Life and work Born in Talawakelle, Sri Lanka, Her first commission was for a book on magnolias by the Cornish horticulturist Neil Treseder. Another early book, and Marjorie Blamey's first major success, was Wildflowers Of Britain And Ireland, published by Collins in their famous Pocket Guide series. Translated into all European languages, it has sold more than a million copies and was still in print in 2020. She illustrated this book and the text was written by Richard Fitter, probably the most successful author of natural history field guides ever. Fitter's son Alastair contributed the distribution maps. Blamey stated "It was a privilege to work with Richard. He was such a vivid writer." She felt that a trip to Buckingham Palace would be too tiring and was presented with her award for services to illustration by Lady Mary Holborow, the Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, at the Fowey Hotel. Blamey's daughter, Anne Irons, said of the occasion: "We had a brilliant time, it was just wonderful. The whole family is so proud of her. A group of 20 family members, including grandchildren, children and my aunt and uncle, met at the hotel to see Lady Mary hand my mother the award, and read a citation. We then enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch."

Cottage gardens (1969) Roy Genders Scented Wild Flowers of Britain (1971) Roy Genders Food for Free (1972) Richard Mabey Wild Flowers of Britain and Northern Europe (1974) Marjorie Blamey, Richard Fitter and Alistair Fitter Magnolias (1978) Neil G. Treseder Alpine Flowers of Britain and Europe (1979) Chris Grey-Wilson and Margaret Blamey Marjorie Blamey's Flowers of the Countryside (1980) Marjorie Blamey Bulbs. The Bulbous Plants of Europe and their allies. (1981) Chris Grey-Wilson and Brian Mathew Fruits, Nuts and Berries (1984) Philip Blamey and Marjorie Blamey The Illustrated Flora of Britain and Northern Europe (1989) Marjorie Blamey and Chris Grey-Wilson Mediterranean Wild Flowers (1993) Marjorie Blamey and Chris Grey-Wilson Marjorie Blamey's Wild Flowers by Colour (1997) Marjorie Blamey Wild Flowers of Britain and Ireland (2003) Marjorie Blamey, Richard Fitter and Alistair Fitter