Last chance to hear about pioneering artist and 'secret scientist'

29 Jun 2023 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Local historians and those interested in the work of pioneering feminist and secret scientist Lady Emma Tankerville have one last chance to see some of her drawings and hear from expert June Watson.

June, Doctoral Candidate, at Northumbria University, who curated an exhibition of her botanical illustrations earlier this year, will give the talk at County Hall, Morpeth, on Friday, June 30, 2-4pm.

Working with the Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, June uncovered the work of the ‘secret scientist’ who was carrying out important research - hiding behind the guise of a genteel watercolour artist in the male dominated 18th Century.

As a forerunner to the modern-day feminist, she was seen to pose a threat to the establishment but despite making a substantial contribution to 18th century science she was later airbrushed from history.

Lady Tankerville’s painstaking research uncovered medical uses for various plants as well as how they could be used as dyes in textile production.

June will also talk about Lady Tankerville's daughter Lady Mary Elizabeth Monck of Belsay who was also a botanist and artist, and is known for her well-known painting of Belsay Castle.

June’s efforts are helping to raise the profile of the important works, their role in Northumberland’s history at a pivotal time for women’s rights, and are raising money to protect and conserve the Tankerville Collection which is stored at Kew.

Councillor Jeff Watson, Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage and Libraries, said: ”This painstaking research has ensured that Lady Tankerville’s legacy will live on after being hidden away and ignored for so long.

“Our residents will be interested to see the paintings – which are astonishingly detailed and beautiful – and to hear about her life from June.”