The Frances Brown Botanical Exhibit celebrates the remarkable life and work of Mrs. Frances Brown, a beloved local artist and botanical enthusiast. This exhibit showcases a selection of her watercolor paintings, capturing the beauty of Butte County wildflowers in meticulous detail.
The collection features 31 hand-bound books, each dedicated to a different plant species, with covers bearing the Latin names of the plant families. Inside are detailed descriptions and summaries of each group, reflecting the extensive research Mrs. Brown conducted over her lifetime. Many illustrations include her handwritten notes, detailing the growth habitats and seasonal patterns of the plants. Some of the books also contain additional insights and findings she recorded throughout her years of study.
Born in April 1874 in Oroville, Mrs. Brown was an active and cherished member of the Butte County community. Her passion for botanical art led her to create a collection of around 500 watercolor paintings.
The Frances Brown Botanical Exhibit will be displayed August 26 through October 31 in the Special Collections Department on the third floor of Meriam Library, where the collection is housed.
Please stop by and pick up a handmade "zine" created by our amazing intern, Devan Garofalo.