Mlle Chloe Dubois 4
This is one of a series of works featuring a range of fictional characters who I created. 
 
MLLE CHLOÉ DUBOIS
'This is a relatively small group of specimens from the vast and fascinating collection of plants and flora gathered together by Miss Chloé Dubois, (1855-1933). Very little is known of Mlle Dubois’ background, but throughout her life she steadfastly searched high and low for new and exciting discoveries in the field of botany. A singularly intrepid botanist of great repute, she travelled the globe and discovered hundreds of new species.
Mlle Dubois had friends and acquaintances in many countries, which proved invaluable to her research. They would often send information as to the whereabouts of strange or unusual plants and sometimes small mysterious packages would arrive through the post for her containing flowers, roots, petals, leaves or seeds. It also meant that she could stay in a variety of locations for as long as she wished. She stayed as a guest of the Dalai Lama for over a year before crossing the Himalaya’s to India to see a friend who had heard rumours of a new type of Jasmine.'
 
This assemblage is created within an intricate floral-carved wooden box. I lined the interior  using pages from a botanical encyclopaedia, circa 1899. In the left side I have placed the image of Mlle Chloe Dubois upon a tatting-lace covered support. Below is a flower speciman I created using a melting technique on sheer fabrics with hand stitching and hand painted stamen. 
On the right side of the box I have placed a selection of natural items including a Sycamore key, a Skeleton leaf from my garden and an acorn cap with a little Pussy Willow inside. I also applied fragments of Tatted lace and, in the corner, is 'JOY', -  a section from a vintage textile nametape.
 
Size closed: W15cmxH6.5cmxD10cm
Sized fully open: W20.3cmxH15cmxD4.5cm
Price £195
Free Postage & Packaging (UK only)