FAQ

QUALITY & SPECIFICATIONS

The Florilegium plates are unique because Banks insisted that every botanical detail should be cut into the copper plate, so that even when printed in black the impressions could be used for scientific study. Every turn of a leaf or twist of a stem is determined by the width and depth of the engraved line. This gives the Florilegium plates unparalleled levels of detail.


You can learn more about the printing process here.

The plate and paper sizes vary from publication to publication. Please see our Technical Specifications page for publication-specific information.

The accurate size of each plate can also be found in each item description.


stock

Banks’ Florilegium was published for the first time between 1980 and 1990. The edition was limited to one hundred numbered sets, with an additional ten sets Hors Commerce for the two publishers, three Exhibition Sets and three sets of Printers’ Proofs. The hundred numbered sets were fully subscribed. The remaining individual prints from the three Exhibition Sets are now being released for sale.
 
Some images are already out of stock and there are never more than three prints of a particular plate available. Orders will be taken on a strictly first come first served basis.

No. The Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History), to whom Banks bequeathed the plates, have undertaken not to allow any new printing from the plates before 2040. In practice it is extremely unlikely that anyone will print a second edition.


PURCHASING & PAYMENTS

Yes, if you are in the Salisbury area and would like to view a print please contact me directly on jgs@alecto-historical-editions.com or +44 (0)1722 782544.

One complete Hors Commerce set of all 35 Parts of Banks' Florilegium, comprising all 743 plates and the catalogue with seven unique plates printed in sepia, is available for purchase. For more information please contact me directly on jgs@alecto-historical-editions.com or +44 (0)1722 782544.

No, at this point we are only accepting credit card payments made directly through the website.

Yes, we do offer discounts for institutions. Please contact me directly on jgs@alecto-historical-editions.com or +44 (0)1722 782544 prior to your purchase to discuss discounts.

VAT is automatically charged to UK and EU customers at a standard rate of 20% at checkout.

Overseas customers are not charged any tax.


DELIVERY & SHIPPING

Each of the engravings is protected within a double-fold sheet of acid free Somerset mould-made 300 gsm paper, cut to form a window mount. The name of the plant, the date and place of collection and the names of the artist and engraver are recorded on each mount.  

For shipping your print(s) will be presented flat in a specially made acid free cardboard folio and packaged between double wall corrugated cardboard.

Your print(s) will normally be shipped, insured and recorded delivery, by DPD or a similar trusted international courier. You will receive an email with a tracking number once we have dispatched your print(s).

Due to the complicated nature of storing archive prints, we collate shipments to go out once every week on a Wednesday. Depending on when you ordered, it may therefore be a few days before your print is dispatched.

Yes. The prints will be insured by us and if your print(s) are lost or arrive damaged you will be reimbursed appropriately.

For questions regarding returns or refund please see our Returns Policy.


PROBLEMS & RETURNS

AHE take the utmost care in making sure that the prints are packaged safely. In the unlikely event that the prints were damaged in transit, please contact me directly within 30 days of receipt to discuss returns and refunds. See also: Returns Policy

jgs@alecto-historical-editions.com or +44 (0)1722 782544


Joe Studholme
Publisher