11 Facts About Edith Blake

Edith Bernal, Lady Blake was an Irish botanical illustrator and writer, noted for her work on the flora and fauna of countries such as The Bahamas, Jamaica and Ceylon.

Edith Blake was the eldest daughter of Catherine Isabella Osborne and Ralph Bernal Osborne, who took his wife's surname following their marriage in 1844.

Edith Blake developed an interest in botany around this time, corresponding over the years with Newtown Anner's garden designer Joseph Paxton.

Edith Blake toured Europe in 1872, visiting Austria, Germany, Italy, Sicily, Greece, and Turkey.

Edith Blake's husband received his first appointment in the British colonial service in 1884, as governor of The Bahamas 1884 to 1887, followed by Newfoundland 1887 to 1888, Jamaica 1889 to 1897, Hong Kong 1898 to 1903, and Ceylon 1903 to 1907.

Edith Blake travelled with him, and rather than entertaining the local English expatriate community, she focused on her time on botany and painting.

Edith Blake studied local flora and fauna in watercolour, which she painted from nature.

Edith Blake produced landscapes, and painted the opening of the 1888 Newfoundland Placentia Railway.

Edith Blake contributed to a number of English and American scientific journals, and was heavily involved in the development of the countries the couple lived in.

Edith Blake was an accomplished linguist, speaking 9 languages including Irish, Russian, and Chinese.

In 1907, Edith Blake opened a Buddhist nunnery which was named in her honour in Sri Lanka.