Sir Joseph Banks Society Magazine Spring October 2017

SJiroseph Banks Autumn/Winter 2017 SocietyMagazineDavid Robinson, Life Presidentof the Sir Joseph Banks SocietyWe regret to announce the and a Preface by Julia Bruce (see below). David Robinson OBE death of our Life President In 1997 he was awarded an OBE for David Robinson OBE. He David’s contribution to our Society.died on 25 July at Diana Princess services to journalism and services to Ideas from members would be welcome.of Wales Hospital in Grimsby, the people of Lincolnshire. David wasaged 89. The Society will deeply a man of many parts: scholar, teacher, Paul Scott, Chairmanmiss David and his enormous editor, author, and administrator. Aboveknowledge of Sir Joseph Banks. all he was generous with his time and knowledge. Many Lincolnshire authors Born and schooled in Horncastle, are thankful for his input.David spent all but a few years of hislife in Lincolnshire. He gained an MSc David was a huge admirer of Sirfrom the University of Nottingham for Joseph Banks and was delighted to accepthis thesis on the Lincolnshire coast and the position of Life President when theworked as a school teacher, university Society was formed in 2006. Since thentutor and editor of Lincolnshire Life he has been a major contributor to ourmagazine. His professional work was development and growth. Over the lastcomplemented by an astonishingly few years David has gifted the Societywide range of voluntary activities and with the majority of his book collectionby an equally impressive volume and concerning Joseph Banks and othervariety of publications. The final book Lincolnshire seafaring explorers such ashe wrote, Sir Joseph Banks at Revesby, was Bass, Flinders, Smith, and Franklin.published by the Society in 2014 with aForeword by Sir David Attenborough His last gift to us was a generous bequest. Over the following months trustees will discuss how best to mark“One name kept coming up” with an interest in Banks, LincolnshireJulia Bruce, in her preface to Sir Joseph or the economic and social history of Banks at Revesby, explains that when start to tell us about some new topic, and Georgian England. It is also, I believe, a she was 14 years old her mother we’d wait for Sir Joseph’s name to be demonstration of the author’s affectiontook her on an educational holiday at mentioned and chorus it back to him.” for the man whose influence on theGibraltar Point (the nature reserve and county of Lincolnshire is still felt by itsfield centre near Skegness). Fast forward to 1993 and a Royal inhabitants today.” David was giving lectures about the Society conference to commemoratehistory, geography and wildlife of the 250th anniversary of Sir Joseph’s What’s inside…Lincolnshire. Julia recounts the many birth. Speakers from around the worldthings she learned about that summer celebrated his achievements. But • Royal Society conference– glaciation, brick-making, the history afterwards, Julia and David realised that • Banks’ Florilegium –of Skegness, fen drainage, smuggling one aspect of his life was often overlooked:at Gib, saltmarsh plants, wading birds, “his abiding care and interest in his own special offershort-eared owls, natterjack toads, home county was something that had • Vanuatu appealAppleby’s ice cream and Bateman’s beer. never been explored in depth.” And who • Heritage Lincolnshire visits But no matter what subject David better than David to shed light on Banks’talked about, one name kept coming role as a Lincolnshire landowner? The original Revesby Abbeyup: Sir Joseph Banks. “Eventually, it was stage was set, she says, for David to take • Darwin House lecture on Banksalmost a joke between us. David would on a huge task, pulling together a vast • Annual dinner amount of information about Banks and • Flinders at Donington Revesby. • Landholdings project • News about books “The result is this volume – a • Christmas shopping at condensation of years of thought and research, and a rich resource for anyone Horncastle centreThe masthead image is of Joseph Banks, age 29,on his return from the Endeavour voyage. It was painted byBenjamin West in 1772, and shows him wearing a Maori flax cloak.Courtesy Lincolnshire County Council

Joseph Banks: Science, Cultureand Exploration, 1743-1820Two delegates from the Society attended an international conference inLondon about the work and achievements of Sir Joseph Banks.by Patrick KayeFor two and a half of the voyage he gained both the promoter of maritime institute” and its increasing days, based at the knowledge and the status exploration and mentor to international importance, as the Royal Society that enabled him to leave a explorers. After Endeavour evidenced in letters and visitsand the Royal Botanic legacy of trained naturalists he was adept at keeping from European naturalists.Gardens Kew, an and collectors worldwide. himself in the public eye. Ektarina Heath’s paper wasinternational group Igler felt that historians give This increased his stature about “botanical diplomacy”,of speakers treated too much attention to the and also encouraged the i.e. Banks’ consummate skilldelegates to a very results of scientific exploration idea that scientific discovery in sending gifts of plantswide range of papers, and should spend more time – rather than military and to various dignitaries anddiscussions and exhibits. studying the process of inquiry. commercial intent – should political regimes in order Banks, with his Endeavour be the principal aims of to communicate an implicit The first speaker, David journal and voluminous voyages. Banks proved to message. Often this was aboutIgler, painted a picture of the correspondence, was an ideal be an international magnet the size, power and superiorityEndeavour voyage and Banks’ subject. for putative explorers and of the British Empire.role in it. Banks had boundless collectors.curiosity and enjoyed being in Sünne Juterczenka then Helen McCormack’sexotic locations. As a result recounted Banks’ role as Tim Fulford traced the paper compared and career of Banks’ protégé contrasted the London From WI to RS Humphry Davy, who establishments of Banks and succeeded Banks as president William Hunter, the ScottishWhat a great honour and privilege it has been to represent of the Royal Society. Banks comparative anatomist. Athe Sir Joseph Banks Society in such hallowed premises, had a profound influence on paper by Hannah Willsand in such esteemed company. It was only the previous Davy’s success, not least in dealt with the relationshipevening that I delivered a talk at Waddington Women’s getting the invention of the between Banks and CharlesInstitute where half the ladies had never even heard of miners’ safety lamp attributed Blagden, secretary of theSir Joseph Banks. This is not a derogatory comment. It to Davy. But as president RS between 1784 and 1797.gives me much pleasure to tell people about his incredible – and as a baronet – Davy She discussed the difficultiesachievements; in many respects, the less they know the was unable to maintain his within the RS, and Blagden’smore satisfying it is. predecessor’s influence in importance in reporting government circles: it seems back to Banks on scientific As you might expect, at the Royal Society conference that his lowly origins had not developments in Paris.both the speakers and the audience knew all about been forgotten.Banks in minute detail. Many of the participants were Anna Agnarsdottir The second day’s keynoteinternationally renowned academics who were speaking explained how formative speaker, Kapil Raj,about esoteric topics, such as Beth Fowkes Tobin (University Banks’ Newfoundland and described how knowledge wasof Georgia) on “Exotic insect drawings: the visual culture Labrador voyage was in his acquired in faraway places.of Enlightenment natural history” or Julia Lum (Yale development as a Linnaean For accurate knowledge to beUniversity) on “Visual and material economies of bark cloth naturalist prior to Endeavour. accrued it required a longerin Robert Smirke’s The Cession of the District of Matavai in After the Resolution fiasco stay by the traveller. “Thethe Island of Otaheite”. Wonderful stuff, as I’m sure you Banks sought solace in a self- ‘stranger’ (one who comeswill all agree. funded voyage to Iceland today and stays tomorrow)” where, for the first time, he is more certain to obtain The problem with academics is that they are all academics was the leader and assumed useful knowledge than “theand the purpose of their lectures is to demonstrate their the role of “scientific- ‘wanderer’ (one who comesexpertise, their knowledge of their chosen subjects -- and statesman.” He later today and goes tomorrow)”.not to entertain me. I confess that I struggled to make solid played a significant role in The ‘stranger’ was ableBanks connections in some of the talks. Having said that, Iceland’s future, for example, to “collect and conferspotting the occasional mistake was a bit like answering interceding on Iceland’s intelligibility on collectionsthe odd question on University Challenge. It was rewarding behalf with the British and knowledge.”but proved nothing, and simply allowed me some small government to save Icelandand ridiculous pleasure. from Danish occupation. Harriet Edquist gave Dominik Hünniger an account of the career of What really stood out for me was that at least half described how 32 Soho an Englishman who madethe audience were young people. Many were university Square became Banks’ a fortune breeding Merinostudents studying topics where Banks played some part. It “home-cum-research sheep before moving tois satisfying to think that the Society’s work to put Banks Australia and exploiting theback onto a world stage will be taken forward by the next opportunities for early settlers.generation. Paul Scott, Chairman Sir Joseph Banks Society2 Sir Joseph Banks Society Magazine

Hanna Hodacs described FURTHER INFORMATION Joseph Banks’the importance of foreignnatural history collections to The conference, held from 20%FlorilegiumBanks and how they came to 14 to16 September 2017,London, thereby maintaining was organized jointly OFFOn 19 October Thames and Hudsonthe capital’s significance in by the Royal Society,the scientific world. National Maritime published Joseph Banks’ Florilegium: Museum, University Botanical Treasures from Cook’s First Michelle Hetherington’s College London, National Voyage (320 pp, hardback, 181 plates, £65.00 but see specialexposition was on Banks as Portrait Gallery, Natural offer below).an object of satire – from History Museum and Background text by Mel“Botanic Macaroni” to Royal Botanic Gardens Gooding, including a“Catching Macaroni” – at the Kew. It was supported brilliant introductoryhands primarily of Matthew with a grant from the Arts chapter; commentariesand Mary Darly. Exotic and Humanities Research on the plates by Davidinsects followed, with Beth Council Network. Mabberley; and anFowkes Tobin’s discussion afterword by Joeof Banks’ entomological NOTES ON SPEAKERS: Studholme.drawings – the artists, the David Igler, University of Further information atcollectors, the agents. Several www.thameshudson.exquisite slides illustrated the California, Irvine co.uk.“highly trained, attentive and Sünne Juterczenka, University The next issue of thisselective ways of seeing” on magazine will carry athe part of the various artists. of Gőttingen review of the Thames Tim Fulford, De Montfort & Hudson Florilegium The penultimate paper, by along with a summaryJulia Lum, was an original University of Joe Studholme’stopic: the role of cloth Anna Agnarsdottir, University President’s Lecture onand clothing in Polynesian 18 November aboutceremonies. A painting of the of Iceland the Florilegium heLondon Missionary Society Dominik Hünniger, published in 1990.and its first mission to Tahitiwas analysed regarding the University of Gőttingen SPECIAL OFFER FOR SJBS MEMBERStypes of cloth present and Ekaterina Heath, Universitythe style of clothing worn Quote the code JBS20 at the checkout to receiveby the protagonists. The of Sydney 20 per cent off Joseph Banks’ Florilegium. This offerlast presentation, by Simon Helen McCormack, Glasgow is exclusive to members at www.thameshudson.co.ukLayton and KhadijaCarroll, considered Banks’ School of Art from 13 November to 31 December 2017.thoughts on his own clothing Hannay Wills, Universityin those exotic places and that NEW Sir Joseph Banks Logoof the indigenous peoples he College London and Royalmet. Society This is the new logo for the create a silhouette, and Kapil Raj, Ecole des Hautes commemoration events that he recommended some These two days were Etudes en Sciences Sociales, the Society is planning for pictures for them to look at.wound up with a vote of Paris 2020 (the 200th anniversary Pat says: “I did the artwork,very well-earned thanks and Harriet Edquist, RMIT of Sir Joseph Banks’ death). pencil and brush on paper.the prospect of a similar University, Victoria, Paul then did the cleverevent in 2020. So ended a Australia Paul Scott asked Pat and technical stuff.”very enjoyable conference. Hannah Hodacs, University Paul Hickson if they wouldThere was plenty of time for of Dalarna, Royal Swedishnetworking and making new Academy of Sciences, andcontacts. Most importantly, University of Warwickthere was much to inspire Michelle Hetherington,further learning. National Museum of Australia On Saturday morning Beth Fowkes Tobin,we enjoyed a leisurely stroll University of Georgia,around the library at RBG USAKew, where various Banksian Julia Lum, Yale Universityitems had been especially put Simon Layton, Queen Maryout for conference delegates. College, University ofWe also had the opportunity London and Sackler-Cairdto tour the herbarium with a Research Fellow (Nationalguide. Sir Joseph would have Maritime Museum) heldapproved. jointly with Khadija Carroll Khadija Carroll, University of Birminghamwww.joseph-banks.org.uk 3

Vanuatu Appeal Garden PartyThe Society held its summer garden party at its Dr Robert Pacey (B. Mus., D.Phil. Oxford) playing the harp in the garden nation has been hit by another headquarters in Horncastle, of the Sir Joseph Banks Centre cyclone which has damaged thewith proceeds donated to its school we are supporting. As aVanuatu appeal. result we are donating the money we raised to help pay for repairs. There was a small but enthusiasticgroup of members present, Losolava School was one of threecomplemented by customers secondary schools in the northernsurprised to find our shop open on isles of Vanuatu (formerly the Newa Sunday. Author and publisher Dr Hebrides). Prior to independence,Robert Pacey, from Burgh-le-Marsh the schools in the New Hebridesnear Skegness, kindly agreed to play were run by the Church. Afterthe harp for us at the garden party. independence, the state tookIt made for a lovely accompaniment, over running the schools. Afterand was very much appreciated. We a few years they realised that onraised around £100 from the event. grounds of both cost and quality,But the total raised is more than the Church could do a better job.that, as membership subscriptions So the schools, which have becomehave included donations for the boarding schools, are run by theproject. Anglican Church. They are now fee paying -- about £300 per year -- but The Vanuatu appeal was do give the islands’ youngsters aoriginally conceived to create a real chance of finding jobs.scholarship fund for pupils wishingto attend secondary school, which Eventually, the Society will behas to be paid for. But the island working with the Melanesian Mission to create a scholarship fund.Layers of history at Revesby originally) to discuss nine study sites, three of whether it was a which will be chosen forBeverley Gormley, with a group of heritage enthusiasts, medieval mill mound, a digital reconstructionsexplores the lumps and bumps at Revesby’s Cistercian abbey. dovecote, a fortification using data and research or a later prospect gathered by our mound. Another of the volunteers. We will existing mounds was return to the Revesby reputedly excavated by estate, training our Sir Joseph Banks – we volunteers to undertake wish there was a record geophysical surveys of what he found! and completing a We gained further measured survey of information when we the earthworks. We went to St Lawrence’s think that Sir Joseph church, just off the would be proud village green at Revesby. of these important Some fascinating investigations. If you’d like to getLooking for the high altar architectural fragments involved with “Layers from the CistercianEa r t h w o r k s public right of way; our south transepts, and abbey are set into the of History” you can are all that visit was organised as ‘Paradise’ (so called on remain of the part of Lincolnshire’s old maps). tower wall. This gave us find out more at www.Cistercian abbey heritagelincolnshire.at Revesby. It was annual Heritage Open We wondered about a better picture of how org/layers orfounded in 1142, Saffron Garth, a the Cistercian buildingsdisplacing an existing Days Festival. moated area that has were decorated. write to layers@village on the site, Using aerial photos, always had that name.and the earthworks LIDAR imagery (an This could be where This walk was part of heritagelincolnshire.orgare now a Scheduled the original monasteryAncient Monument. aerial laser scan), and garden was situated, Heritage Lincolnshire’s Beverley Gormley the footprint of another and it may be where “Layers of History” Senior Project Officer Although there are no Cistercian Abbey as the monks grew saffron project, which aims tobuildings left to explore navigation aids (most crocuses to harvest. give people a better (Layers of History)there is still a lot going Cistercian abbeys are In medieval times, understanding of Heritage Lincolnshireon beneath the grass! very similar in layout), saffron was valued for their local landscapes.So it was a rare treat we attempted to find its medicinal properties Courses, workshops, Editor’s note: Theto guide 30 heritage various landscape and was also used in activity days and online Cistercian abbey at Revesbyenthusiasts around the features. We explored pigments such as dyes information provide is not to be confused withsite last September. the large site, walking for wool. volunteers with the Revesby’s two later abbeysThe remains of the over its lumps and tools and knowledge to -- the house belonging toabbey – its lumps and bumps looking for the We climbed up undertake research and Sir Joseph Banks, and thebumps – are not on a causeway, the cloisters, a perfectly circular carry out archaeological Victorian abbey built in the site of the high mound (one of four, surveys. 1842 after the estate passed altar, the north and Revesby is the first of to his first cousin once removed, Lt. Col. James Hamilton Stanhope.4 Sir Joseph Banks Society Magazine

Joseph Banks – the hub of a global empireby Linda Harthree members of the Society – chairman She began by comparing wheeled and dealed, and his and more accurate light. Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802) enormous correspondence Almost everyone in publicTPaul Scott, treasurer and Joseph Banks (1743-1820): shows that he had networks life was satirised in the 18thChristine Chapman, and neither was studied nor talked all around the world.” There century; almost everyonemyself – recently attended about much until the last are 20,000 of his letters in believed that the Britisha conference at the Erasmus third of the 20th century; both existence now, so there must Empire, and its expansionDarwin House in Lichfield. were enthusiastic promoters have been many more that around the globe, was a goodWhat drew us there was not just of Linnaean classification; we don’t know about. She thing.   the overall theme – “Collectors, both were at the centre reckoned that he had overCollections & Collaborations in of important, influential 3,000 correspondents, many The other speakers were Drthe 18th Century” – but the fact networks of doctors, natural of whom were asked to bring Stephen Leach, from Keelethat one of the four talks was philosophers, industrialists back exotic plants which Banks University, talking abouton Joseph Banks. and entrepreneurs. But while then gave to Kew. Joseph Wright’s portrait ofDr Patricia Fara was well- Darwin held sway in the Brooke Boothby; Jonathanqualified to introduce the Midlands, Banks made himself Dr Fara frequently found Wallis, senior curator at Derbyaudience of about 40 people to the hub of a global empire fault with Banks. She criticised Museums, talking about JohnSir Joseph Banks. Her research based in London. him by describing how others Whitehurst’s 1778 publicationat Cambridge University After a chronological had criticised him. The about Derbyshire’s geology;focuses on the history of account of Banks’ life, Dr “Macaroni” cartoons, for Patricia Empsall, a volunteerscience in 18th-century Fara divided her talk into example, satirised Banks for at Erasmus Darwin House,England. three sections: Banks as his imperial pretensions. James discussing the clothes people traveller; Banks as president Gillray satirised him as the wore in the 18th century. of the Royal Society; Banks Great South Sea Caterpillar in relation to the metropolis transformed into a Bath The Erasmus Darwin House and the empire. His main Butterfly. While Erasmus is packed with fascinating contribution, she felt, was to Darwin actively opposed exhibits, showcasing the liaise between scientists and the the slave trade, Banks “had breadth of Darwin’s interests government; to make scientific a paternalistic attitude” and and achievements. Banks endeavour important in Britain thought the slave trade could Society members who visit will in the 18th century; and to get be conducted in a way that enjoy seeing Mrs. Darwin’s the state to invest money in benefited the Negroes. culinary herb garden and science. Dr Darwin’s medicinal herb Dr Fara said that Banks Dr Fara could have provided garden. All the plants areDr Patricia Fara, President of the ruled over British science more context regarding the clearly labelled with bothBritish Society for the History of at the Royal Society. “He cultural beliefs and norms of common and botanical names.Science Georgian society; this would More information from have shown Banks in a better www.erasmusdarwin.org.Love Lincolnshire Plantsby Bob WayneOur Annual Dinner in October was sponsored by the law company generation of Lincolnshire botanists. She Chairman Paul Scott welcomed guests of honour, Ringrose Law, and held at the Court reminded us that concern about the loss High Sheriff Andrew Clark (who said grace) andYard Restaurant, Kenwick Golf Club, in Louth. of plant life goes back a long way. For Mrs Anna Clark example, Rev E. A. Woodruff-Peacock, who Before proceedings began there was a compiled a Check List of Lincolnshire Plants reported in 1836, had been rediscoveredminute’s silence in memory of three much- in 1909, was the founder of the Lincolnshire this summer; populations of tall thrift andvalued members: the Society’s Life President Naturalists’ Union. greater water parsnip are increasing asDavid Robinson, its Treasurer Simon a result of tender attention by the TrustSargeant, and loyal volunteer Steve Benton. The true decline of the county’s plant and volunteers. Closing her amusing but species was not apparent until 1975 when thought-provoking talk, during which After an excellent dinner, Paul Scott Joan Gibbons published Lincolnshire Flora. she acknowledged David Robinson as herspoke about our achievements during the Twenty years later the LCC published a mentor, Tammy said it is wholly appropriateyear. Most significant was funding from report titled State of the Environment. It that the project has been nicknamed “Lovethe Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to set reported that between 1970 and 1991 there Lincs Plants.”up a new Lincolnshire Herbarium. This is was a two-thirds decline in the county’sa joint project between the Lincolnshire plant species compared to prior to this Thanks to Christine Chapman and SueNaturalists’ Union, Natural History Museum, period. What happens in Lincolnshire is of Sargeant for organising a wonderfulLincolnshire Wildlife Trust and our Society. global importance, said Tammy. Lincolnshire evening; Sue’s table decorations were muchSome other organisations are also involved, lies on the Northern/Southern climatic limits admired and appreciated.including the University of Lincoln. of many plants and the UK has 20 per cent of the world’s lowland heathland. The evening’s speaker was TammySmalley, Head of Conservation at the Trust. Mourning the reduction of significantShe enthused about the three-year HLF plants – from 9,000 in Woodruffe-Peacock’sproject – titled “Lincolnshire Plants: Past time to a mere 2,070 today – Tammy said itand Future” – which could lead to a new was not all bad news. Meadow saffron, lastwww.joseph-banks.org.uk 5

Donington salutes Matthew Flindersby Christine ChapmanEvery summer for over forty years the Lincolnshire community of was sporting an Australian logo today interest in working together. Donington (10 miles south-west -- a kangaroo with bagpipes! We were Well done Donington for remembering thrilled and it was hard to keep the your local boy and his internationalof Boston) has paid tribute to their camera steady. exploits.seafaring hero Matthew Flinders. This Editor’s Note: There are chapters on Flinders and on Donington in Sir Josephyear was no different, except that the Banks: Rooted in Lincolnshire, Jean Shaftoe’s excellent guide to places in theSir Joseph Banks Society was there, county with Banks connections. Available from the Horncastle Centre for £14.99;represented by Jean Shaftoe and myself. see our website for more details.What an uplifting occasion it was.Matthew Flinders was born inDonington on 16 March 1774. Heattended the Free School in the village,then completed his education at HorblingGrammar School before joining the RoyalNavy in 1789. He went on to become asuperb navigator and cartographer,and led the first circumnavigation ofAustralia. He died when he was only 40years old, a few days after the publicationof his book A Voyage to Terra Australis.Banks and Flinders, sharing aLincolnshire background and a passionfor exploration, became friends and Once inside the parish church of Stcolleagues. When Flinders visited Revesby Mary & The Holy Rood, the service toAbbey Sir Joseph would introduce him as commemorate Matthew Flinders began‘my own countryman’. So Jean and I were with delightful musical input fromkeen to pay our respects to Flinders. local school children. The younger ones captured every heart with their jolly As we assembled over coffee, we were orchestral rendition of Waltzing Matilda.told ‘the action’ would be a few minutes Squadron Leader Mole approachedlate: and then we realised why! We the Matthew Flinders commemorationheard the unmistakable engine throbof the BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial area under the specially commissionedFlight) and then they were in view – the window (note Sir Joseph Banks on theLancaster and four Spitfires making a left) and laid a poppy wreath to hisvery dignified and regal flyover. They memory. All photos by Christine Chapmancircumnavigated us three times before A delicious lunch was provided byheading off into the sunshine, and the Lincolnshire Branch of the Britain-returning to base at Coningsby RAF. Australian Society, accompanied by fineWe learned from Squadron Leader speeches and much bonhomie. Jean andMole of the Australian Air Force that, I chatted with other guests about futureby a great coincidence, the Lancaster plans for our Society and there was muchSir Joseph’s Lincolnshire Landholdings Onwards for AttenboroughLby Christine Chapman valuable resource for today’s scholars and ast August the first steps were taken those of the future. Sir David Attenborough may be 91, on an exciting journey for a quartet but he’s in no mood to retire. “I of very keen volunteers from the Jean is well known for her extensive don’t [have a plan], except to keepSociety. They began work on our new research over many years into aspects of doing what I’m doing,” he toldLand and Property Holdings Research Joseph Banks’ life and work in Lincolnshire. Louis Theroux in the Radio Times. “IfProject. The group met at the Lincolnshire If you wish to make any observations about people ask, well, it’s perfectly simple:Archives to spend the day scrutinizing the project, contact her at jean.shaftoe@ if I wanted to put my feet up and sit incounty maps and estate registers. joseph-banks.org.uk or telephone 01507 the corner and slobber then I could.” 533354. We will keep Society members As it is, he keeps being offered, and This ambitious plan was hatched -- under informed about progress. One idea is to accepting, new nature programmesthe guiding hand of Trustee Jean Shaftoe mount an exhibition when all the work is to present. “I mean, who wouldn’t-- to record the land and property holdings complete. be grateful for people coming upof Sir Joseph Banks that were acquired in and saying, ‘Would you like to goLincolnshire during his lifetime. Research Sir Joseph had land holdings in many to Trinidad?’ I say, ‘Yes, what will itat the Archive will continue over the parts of Britain, so who knows where next? cost?’ ‘No, no,’ they reply, ‘we’ll paycoming months, and the information will “Every journey starts with a single step”, you!’ Really? Lucky old me.”be collated in one format for the very said the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzufirst time. This will provide a unique and (604-531bc). This item appeared in The Week magazine, 24 June 20176 Sir Joseph Banks Society Magazine

A fictional account of Sailor Boy or Scientific Umpire?botanic discovery Sue Durrell, an expert on William Nicholson, describes hisBindy Barclay, a Society member working relationship with Sir Joseph Banks.from New Zealand, reviewsThe Signature of All Things, William Nicholson (1753-1815) is best known to EnlightenmentLondon, Bloomsbury, 2013, 501pp. historians as the founder of A Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistry and the Arts – the first commercial monthly scientific“Oh Banks! That beautiful, whoring, journal in Britain. Taking a wide variety of articles from all levelsambitious, competitive adventurer! The man of society, Nicholson’s Journal encouraged debate, democratisedwas everything Henry’s father was not…Banks access to technological developments, and accelerated the spreadcould easily have spent his life in idle luxury, ofHsocwieenvetir,fiict kwnasowa -thhoorwn.in the side of the Royal Society’s own publication,but instead he sought to become the boldest of Philosophical Transactions, and Sir Joseph Banks is reported to have blockedbotanical explorers – a vocation he took without Nicholson’s membership to the Royal Society on the basis that he wanted ‘nosacrificing a bit of flash or glamour… But he journalists’ or ‘sailor boys’ – the latter a reference to Nicholson’s early careerstole from him anyway.” with the East India Company and a frustrating episode concerning the short- lived Society for the Improvement of Naval Architecture. So Elizabeth Gilbert introduces Joseph Banks inThe Signature of All Things. Henry Whitaker, cast as Despite this, they enjoyed a cordial relationship over at least 20 years. Nicholsonthe son of an ordinary orchard man at Richmond, was first engaged by Banks to help produce a paper titled ‘Observations on abeguiles Banks to show leniency after he transgressed Bill, for Explaining, Amending, and Reducing into One Act, the several lawsthe hallowed collections at Kew by stealing some rare now in being for preventing the Exportation of Live Sheep, Wool, and otherspecimens from the King’s collection and selling them. Commodities’, published in 1787.And, what’s more, selling them to plant collectors whoare avidly seeking to participate in the contemporary Shortly after this, Banks accepted from Nicholson a paper for the Royalfervor for botanic novelty that is so jealously guarded by Society on a proposed design for a compact scale rule to replace the cumbersomeBanks himself. Gunther’s rule. Two more papers from Nicholson were soon accepted by Banks – one in 1788 regarding Nicholson’s invention of the revolving doubler (a Gilbert affords Henry an opportunity to witness and device to generate electricity); and another one on electricity which was selectedparticipate in key events in the story of botanic discovery in 1789.and enterprise of the eighteenth and nineteenthcenturies: the voyages of Cook, the taxonomical In 1799, Nicholson moved to Number 10 Soho Square where he establishedenterprise of the Enlightenment’s botanical amateurs a scientific school and hosted a series of scientific lectures. He was a regularand scholars, the establishment of botanic networks participant at the Sunday Conversaziones and the Thursday breakfast meetingsand the evolution of botanic commerce. that Banks held at 32 Soho Square. Henry establishes himself as an entrepreneurial In 1802 a disagreement arose when Nicholson wrote to Banks askingbotanist in the United States, where his daughter Alma permission to re-publish, in his Journal, some papers from the Royal Society.is born. Alma Whitaker matures as one of a generation Nicholson had noticed that foreign journals were publishing Royal Societyof women who found intellectual belonging in amateur papers before they were published in Philosophical Transactions. He argued thatscience. She is educated, widely read, and maintains it was unfair that ‘journalists within the Realm should be put in a less favouredsubscriptions to the many scientific journals of the period. situation than foreign philosophers.’ From Alma’s own collection and study of mosses But working relations between the two men resumed, and in 1806, on behalfthrough to her father Henry’s enterprise as a propagator of the Board of Longitude, Banks invited Nicholson to comment on designsin the newly thriving Philadelphia of the day, Gilbert of the timekeepers constructed by John Arnold and Thomas Earnshaw. Thetakes the reader on a journey of botanic inquiry and Board hoped to reveal the secrets ofscientific philosophies. From Amsterdam to Tahiti, their designs to the wider watch-makingfrom London to Tasmania, this is an armchair circuit community and thereby stimulatewith an intensity that Banks would likely have approved. similar developments. The Signature of All Things is an entirely different More than 2,860 articles weretype of book to Gilbert’s more famous Eat Pray Love. published in William Nicholson's AThe book’s inception emerged when Gilbert began Journal of Natural Philosophy, Chemistryto develop a new garden at her home in the US. She and the Arts between April 1797started wondering about the origin of the Iris she was and December 1813, including 14planting. Research led to more research and eventually articles by Banks between 1800a three-year global exploration, tracing the botanic and 1812. All 2,860 articles can bescience and networks of the early plant explorers. accessed via Google books at www. nicholsonsjournal.co.uk/nicholsons- What makes this a must-read for anyone even a tiny journal-index.html.bit obsessed with SJB is the evocative description ofscientific enterprise. Detailed and richly described, it Further information SPECIAL OFFERis intelligent and comprehensive in its scope. Gilbert In 1868 Nicholson’s son wroteexplores themes that were essential to the discoverers of a memoir about his father titled Members of the Sir Joseph Banks Society whothe Enlightenment period. The Life of William Nicholson. The order direct by email or phone from Peter manuscript has been edited by Sue There is romance and spirituality in Alma’s story, that Durrell and is now available from Owen Publishing, and say they are a memberbrings her, somewhat echoing the footsteps of Banks, to Peter Owen Publishers – £13.99, of the Society, will receive a signed copy withexperience revelations in Tahiti. The final reveal, almost 128 pages, www.peterowen.com/as an afterthought, posits Alma among the ironies of shop/life-of-william-nicholson, free post and packaging.time and place which marked success or oblivion for [email protected], telephonenew understandings. 020 7061 6756. Sue is now writing a biography of William Nicholson Whether the reader chooses to follow Gilbert’s which will be published in 2019.imagined networks or to consider them altogether toofanciful, there is much to be gleaned for the botanicallycurious.www.joseph-banks.org.uk 7

Christmas shopping atour centre in HorncastleLooking for that perfect and a range of gifts for Saturday from 10.00 a.m. organisation helpingChristmas gift? Then visit men, children and babies. to 4.00 p.m. But there is a young adults withthe shop at the Sir Joseph special opening on Sunday learning difficulties backBanks Centre, Bridge Credit cards are accepted 10 December to coincide into the workplace, andStreet, Horncastle LN9 with no restrictions on with the Horncastle supporting local crafters5HZ. minimum purchase. Gift Christmas Market. For and suppliers. We are also vouchers are available. Sir Joseph Banks Society home to Horncastle Tourist Four rooms plus the members there is a Information.Gallery are stocked with Have a coffee in the Members’ Evening ona large range of unique Banks Room where you Tuesday 5 December fromitems made by local can read about the life 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m.crafters and artists. There and works of this famousare also scarves, gloves, botanist. If the weather See our Facebook page,jewellery, ladies’ handbags, is fine, pop out into the or contact the Centre onand gifts for the home. We Tribute Garden for further 01507 526065.also stock cards, candles gift ideas. We are a not-for-profit We are open Monday toNot yet a member? Diary Dates Here’s how to join the society Sunday, 11 February, 3.00 p.m. – Sir Joseph’s Birthday Party. Horncastle Community Centre, Manor House Street,Visit our website at www.joseph-banks.org. Horncastle LN9 5HF. Tom Lane, a Lincolnshire folk song uk where you can complete a membership specialist, will give a concert. All welcome. application and pay by Paypal or by Friday, 18 May, 7.30 p.m. – Annual Lecture. Boston Guildhall, doEwmnaliol aodurinmgeamsbtearnshdipinsgecorredtaerry f(hoeramth.er.slater@joseph- South Street, Boston PE21 6HT. Richard Barley, Director of banks.org.uk) and she will send you by post an application Horticulture, Learning and Education at Kew Gardens, will form, which you can return to us with a cheque or standing speak on Banks and Kew. This is an open meeting with a order form. small entry fee. Sunday, 10 June, 10.00am to 4.00p.m. – Open Farm Sunday, Join by debit/credit card payment at the reception desk Revesby Estate. For details of family events throughout the at the Sir Joseph Banks Centre, Bridge Street, Horncastle day see www.revesbyestate.co.uk. LN9 5HZ. Wednesday, 20 June, 2.00 p.m. – Visit to an exhibition at the Cook Museum, Whitby. To commemorate the 250th Basic membership is £15. There are reductions for anniversary of the sailing of the Endeavour. Transport students and two people at one address, and there is Life arrangements will be announced later. Membership as well. Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust lectures Benefits of membership include: this magazine, email bulletins, lectures, an annual dinner, Sir Joseph’s birthday Friday, 24 November, 7.30 p.m. – “Poles Apart,”. An illustrated party, and other events. lecture by the world-renowned wildlife photographer Michael Leach, at the Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, LouthContacts LN11 9NQ. Small charge at door. Thursday, 30 November, 7.30 p.m. – “Wildlife of the YorkshireMagazine editor: Linda Hart. Letters to the editor and Coast”. An illustrated talk by Geoff Lee, at LWT headquarters,ideas for articles are always welcome. Tel 01684 567443, Banovalllum House, Horncastle LN9 5HF. Small charge at door.email [email protected] Friday, 26 January, 7.30 p.m. – “Lincolnshire Plants – PastChairman: [email protected] and Future,” and the creation of a contemporary herbariumGeneral enquiries: [email protected] to inspire the next generation of botanists -- a talk by LWTMembership secretary: [email protected] Project Officer Aidan Neary, at the Methodist Church, Nichol Hill, Louth LN11 9NQ. Small charge at door. Society Patron: Sir David Attenborough Sir Joseph Banks Society TrusteesChairman: Paul Scott • Treasurer: Christine Chapman • Membership Secretary: Heather Slater Miss Pearl Wheatley MBE, Lady Sally Bruce-Gardyne, Jean Shaftoe, Richard Locke Wheaton, Bob Wayne, Roland Freeman, Stuart Crooks Sir Joseph Banks Centre Bridge Street, Horncastle, Lincolnshire, LN9 5HZ • Shop: 01507 526065 Email: [email protected] • Website: www.joseph-banks.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1127728 Designed and Printed by DPS Digital (Lincs) Ltd 28 & 30 Handley Street, Sleaford, Lincs NG34 7TQ Tel: 01529 300452 www.dpsdigital.co.uk