Madeleine Fawkes

Madeleine Charlotte Fawkes (1880–1954), also known as Madge Fawkes, was an English botanical illustrator celebrated for her detailed depictions of flora. Born in Malta on December 14, 1880, she trained at the Slade School of Fine Art and further honed her skills in Paris and Cornwall.

Fawkes made several visits to her brother Valentine Fawkes’s farm near Ficksburg, South Africa, between 1922 and 1952, where she painted local wildflowers and landscapes. Her illustrations of Lesotho’s wildflowers earned her the prestigious Grenfell Medal from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1939. Her work was exhibited at the Royal Academy, showcasing her skill in botanical illustrations, landscapes, portraits, and flower arrangements.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Fawkes was an avid gardener and demonstrated talent in garden design. Some of her specimens and paintings are preserved in the National Botanical Gardens. She passed away on September 15, 1954, in Black Bourton, leaving behind a legacy of exquisite botanical art.