The Sketchbook – Emily Cumming Harris

New Zealand Plants

This collection in the Alexander Turnbull Library is called ‘New Zealand Plants’ and contains 8 pencil sketches by Emily Cumming Harris, four of the sketches forming a basis for eventual paintings in New Zealand Flowers, Berries, and Ferns. The collection was purchased from Mr Michael Beca in 1999 and the dates on the sketches indicate that this collection would have been made between 1890 and 1892.

Shows flower and leaf of the banana passionfruit, on a section of vine. — Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [Passionflower and leaf on vine. 1890s]. Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [New Zealand plants]. 1891-1892. Ref: B-155-005. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23008043

Shows berries and leaves of this shrub. Notes in the bottom right: "A shrub very common in the North Island, quickly springing up wherever forest has been cleared. Leaves may vary from 4-10 inches long. Berry yellow, edible". — Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: Solanum aviculare (Poropora). [1890s]. Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [New Zealand plants]. 1891-1892. Ref: B-155-004. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23027511

Shows berries and leaves of the supplejack. — Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [Supplejack berries and leaves]. -/1/97. [1897]. Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [New Zealand plants]. 1891-1892. Ref: B-155-006. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23145973

Shows leaves of ivy or an ivy-leafed geranium. There is an unidentified flower at top left. Possibly plants in the artist's garden in Nelson — Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: From nature, 11th July 1892; from nature, 18 July 1892. Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [New Zealand plants]. 1891-1892. Ref: B-155-008. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23129016

Shows flowers and leaves of the lace bark. Notes in the bottom right: "This lace bark is a small but very beautiful tree with a lovely display of snow white flowers open in January at Milford Sound. A slightly different but equally beautiful species grows at George Sound. — Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: Plagianthus Lyalli (Hoihere or Whau-whi). 30 June 1892. Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925 :[New Zealand plants]. 1891-1892. Ref: B-155-001. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22733533

Shows several stalks of this fern, with feathery leaves and flowers. — Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: Lycopodium Billardieri, varium. This specimen is from the Dun Mountain Line, Nelson. It is frequently of a lovely golden colour. 14th April [1890s]. Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [New Zealand plants]. 1891-1892. Ref: B-155-002. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22681159

Shows a plant which may be an arum lily. It is not in flower. Behind it to the right is a wicker fence. There is a pruned tree behind. Possibly part of the artist's garden in Nelson — Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: 2nd July, 1891. [Lily plant in a corner of a garden]. Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [New Zealand plants]. 1891-1892. Ref: B-155-007. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/22631192

Shows flowers, berries and leaves. Notes: "A handsome forest tree 40-50 ft high, common in the North Island. Flowers waxy-white. Flowers & berries on the tree at the same time. Berries green, with orange coloured seeds". — Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: Dysoxylum spectabile (Kohe-Kohe). 27th Oct[ober] 1892. Harris, Emily Cumming, 1837?-1925: [New Zealand plants]. 1891-1892. Ref: B-155-003. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23007385

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