Mlle Chloe Dubois 5
This is one of a series of works featuring a range of fictional characters who I have 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 intricately inlaid wooden box which I have lined using handwritten pages from a French document, circa 1853. In the left side I have created a collection of some of Mlle Dubois' finds: a carefully rolled and dried leaf, lichen, seeds in a watchmaker's box and a wooden bead tucked into silk fibres. In the right-hand side of the box is an image of Mlle Chloe Dubois edged with a length of pearl necklace and little treasures from my own collection. I have added fragments of embroidery including part of an antique French ladies bonnet, Tatted lace, and vintage lace and ribbon which I have stitched onto silk. Tucked into the corner is, 'JOY', a section from a vintage textile nametape.
 
Size closed: W14.5cmxH4cmxD10.5cm
Size open: W20cmxH14.5cmxD3cm
Price £195
Free Postage & Packaging (UK only)