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Bass Valley Historical Society talk on Euphemia Henderson, wildflower artist and botanist
December 4, 2022 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
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Bass Valley Historical Society Afternoon Tea meeting on Sunday, December 4 2022 at 2.00pm. Guest speaker is Maureen Matthews on Euphemia Henderson (1822-1907), wildflower artist and botanist.
Where: Corinella Public Hall, Smythe Street. Cost: $10. Please bring a plate.
RSVP – Libby Skidmore – 5678 0339 or eskidmore@dcsi.net.au
Euphemia was briefly engaged to Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller (1825-1896), and worked with him on Phillip Island. In 1863, Ferdinand von Mueller, the director of Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens, fell deeply in love with Euphemia, and proposed marriage to her. The distinguished botanist and the talented Scottish girl who loved studying and sketching plants seemed made for each other. She saved his letters to her and we read his salutation, ”Beloved bride.” They read the poetry of Lord Byron together on Phillip Island. Mueller referred to her proudly as ”my fiancee, a greatly talented and enlightened Scottish lady”.
Then their relationship fell apart. In April 1863, he was writing to ”my beloved” but by August the same year his letter began coldly, ”My dear Miss Henderson”, and he was attempting to explain why he had broken off the engagement. Was it his health problems or did he become aware that Henderson was too old to bear children?
Neither of them ever married but Mueller had several other romances. After the end of their brief affair, they continued writing occasional letters to each other. Henderson’s paintings reveal her artistic and scientific talents. Maxwell & Williams, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Gardens, has produced a beautiful collection of crockery showcasing Euphemia’s work.
239 A'Beckett Street Melbourne, Victoria, 3000 
03 9326 9288 
office@historyvictoria.org.au 
Office & Library: Weekdays 9am-5pm
