The Banksia Project
In the early 1970s, Monash University advertised for a botanical artist and on learning of the artistic talents of one of the applicants, namely Celia Rosser. Decided, along with Botanist Alex George, to issue a comprehensive reference work on Australia’s Banksias. The Biological drawings of each phylum, all at life size, requiring books to be Elephant Folio format (775X560mm), took some time to do, and by late 1980, 24 drawings had been completed, along with data as to where each specimen was found. Volume 1 was printed and bound in the UK but it was decided to complete the remaining volumes locally. Local trade binders M&M were commissioned to do the binding of volume 2 and Norman J Field, the printing. M&M Binders never finished the work due to quality and scheduling problems and the balance of the edition was removed to be stored in Monash’s climate controlled building. We were honoured to be approached to complete volume 2 and bind Volume 3. Unfortunately, although the full quantity of volume 3 was printed, quantities ordered were small. So only 171 copies of volume 3 were ever completed, instead of 530 as advertised. Making it a very scarce reference. Over the period, we completed 20 copies of volume 1, 50 copies of volume 2 , and 171 copies of volume 3. Also 166 Solander full size folio boxes in green cloth. Volume 3 won the German Heidelberg Company’s International award for excellence. The managing Director of Heidelberg International travelled especially to Australia to present it & gave a lengthy speech on how impressed he was with all aspects of volume 3. Both Cellia Rosser and Alex George have received numerous honours for their work. Celia was twice presented to Queen Elizabeth II. There is an autographed copy of each volume of The Banksias in the Royal Library.
