Esther Inglis (1570/1-1624) was born in Edinburgh and was taught the art of calligraphy by her mother. Her career spanned 40 years and she produced around 60 manuscripts. These manuscripts are thought to have been speculatively presented by Inglis to members of the Royal Family, nobility and other persons of interest. This book for example, is one of four manuscripts presented to Henry, Prince of Wales (1594-1612), the eldest son of James I, probably as a New Year gift in 1607. The book is typical of her later output, and is dominated by watercolours of native flowers such as the buttercup and thistle.

Entry adapted from Painting Paradise London, 2015.