S. Twopenny Pink Lavatera Mallow Flower

Botanical Watercolours 1830s: S. Twopenny

This watercolour is one of a beautiful 1830s botanical collection that we have for sale by 'S. Twopenny', presumed to be Sarah Twopenny, of the Twopenny family of Rochester, Kent. The pictures derive from a collection given to Mary Twopenny (Sarah's sister) by her cousin David at Little Casterton in 1832.

Sarah Twopenny was born in 1788 at Little Casterton in Rutland. She was one of six daughters of Richard Twopenny, Rector at Little Casterton—who were known punningly as 'the splendid shilling'. There is also a painting by her younger sister, Mary (born in 1802), in the collection.

The sisters' great-grandfather was William Twopenny of Rochester, who built up a family law business in the Cathedral close at Rochester. In the late 18th century William bought Pistock estate near Sittingbourne, where he built a fine house named Woodstock Park (demolished in 1971).

Mary married their uncle, David Twopenny (also born in 1802), who was commoner at Oriel College, Oxford and lifelong Vicar of Stockbury in Kent.

There was clearly artistic talent amongst the sisters and the wider family: David was also an amateur artist and a collector of art (a sale of his collection at Christie’s included an extensive collection of fine engravings after Turner).

These beautiful paintings are in remarkably pristine condition, belying their almost 200 year-old age, and they showcase some of the most attractive flower species to be found in the hedgerows and cultivated gardens of England in the 19th century.