For the Love of Nature

Book excerpt: Ebenezer Edward Gostelow (1866-1944) began his 50-year-long teaching career at the age of 15. He was a keen naturalist and took every opportunity to study the local plants and birds. Gostelow would liven up his blackboards with captivating chalk drawings of birds and flowers. Gostelow's watercolours of the local flora are detailed and delicate. Many depict in minute detail the buds, flowers (often in cross-section), leaves and seeds. On each painting he has recorded common and scientific names, and places and dates of collection. He had an eye for composition, arranging the items in the painting exquisitely. For the Love of Nature presents a short biography, followed by a portfolio section of more than 80 images of birds and flowers.