Inscribed in pencil l. r. ‘Bombax Tree, Rio de Jano’ , further inscribed in pen on mount ‘Rio de Janeiro 1841’ in Swainson’s hand

26 by 17.5 cm.

William Swainson had spent many years in search of public recognition for his contribution to the knowledge of the living world. For him, the appointment to a paid position in a prominent British institution could be that recognition, as well as providing him with an income and an opportunity to continue his studies. A series of disappointments in pursuit of this ambition finally led him to despair of this ever happening. Having heard of the prospect of land to newly colonise in New Zealand, he set off to that distant and completely unfamiliar land. With him he took his hope of establishing a more fruitful life, both professionally and financially, using his immeasurable appetite for the observation of the natural world.

In 1840, he set sail from Gravesend with his family, leaving one son to be brought up in Gibraltar, and his second wife, Ann Baddly, aboard the ship Jane, which even on departure was not in the best state. Reaching Rio de Janeiro it sustained damage which necessitated a delay of several weeks while work was carried out to make the ship seaworthy. It would seem that these repairs were, at best, makeshift and on its arrival in Wellington, on 24^th May 1841, the ship was declared no better than ‘a pig sty’ and legal action ensued from the embittered passengers.

Swainson, as was typical, seized the opportunity in Brazil to explore the area around the city of Rio and record and draw its flora. He had been to Brazil before, in 1818, with the well- known explorer Henry Koster, but had to leave after a year when political turmoil began to erupt in the country. This was a chance, albeit brief, to rediscover the joys of the natural world of Brazil. The six drawings were taken at different points around the outskirts of the city including the area known as the ‘Valley of the Orangeras’ and around the lakes near Botafogo with Sugar Loaf Mountain in the background.

The drawings measure approximately 28 by 22cm. and slightly smaller and are laid down on thick paper taken from an album. Some have notes in pencil variously recording places, species and locations. Each of the backing papers has lined borders and is inscribed ‘Rio de Janeiro, 1841’ in ink.

These drawings have come by descent directly from the family of William Swainson. Swainson’s granddaughter, the sculptor Lilian Swainson (1865-1939) married into the Hamilton family, latterly of Lowood House near Melrose. The Hamilton family have recently dispersed the contents of their family home.