Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association president Bev Stone (left) and secretary Barb Leys (right) catch up with Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes following the launch of the second edition of National Treasures: Flowering Plants of Cooktown and Northern Australia. Photo: Supplied.
The second edition of Vera Scarth-Johnson’s book National Treasures. Flowering Plants of Cooktown and Northern Australia was officially launched in front of a packed gallery at Nature’s Powerhouse by Cook Shire Council Mayor Robyn Holmes on 16 November.
Ms Scarth-Johnson moved to Cooktown in the early 1980s, having been captivated by the rich diversity of plants along the Endeavour River.
For the remainder of her life, she lived in Cooktown and created exquisite illustrations of the region’s orchids and wildflowers.
Vera Scarth-Johnson Gallery Association president Bev Stone told the launch the well-known Cooktown resident had been known around the world for her eye and talent as an illustrator.
“Vera is recognised across Australia and internationally as a renowned botanical illustrator,” Ms Stone said.
“Some of her paintings are still on display at Kew Gardens in London
“It was a privilege to have such a talented artist living in our community, and her generosity will not be forgotten.”
A passionate conservationist, Ms Scarth-Johnson bequeathed her Endeavour River Series – a collection of 110 botanical paintings – to the Cooktown community in 1994, in the hope greater awareness of the area’s botanical riches would inspire people to “stand up to save it” and protect the local environment.
She continued to paint, and donated a further 37 works before her death in 1999, with her legacy now on permanent display at Nature’s Powerhouse.
The publication of the book was a monumental task that involved significant co-ordination and the efforts of many individuals, including three botanists, an ecologist, two local Guugu Yimithirr speakers, and more than 20 community members.
The second edition of National Treasures. Flowering Plants of Cooktown and Northern Australia is now available for purchase by calling Nature’s Powerhouse on 4069 5673.
Botanists John Clarkson and Tony Roberts were part of the diverse team that made the second edition of the book a reality. Photo: Supplied.
