Lot 104: Joy Adamson (1910-1980)

Joy Adamson (1910-1980)
Hibiscus
signed, inscribed and dated 'JOY/JUNE 1946/KINNA' (lower left) and further inscribed 'HIBISCUS CANABINUS' (upper centre)
watercolour
12 7/8 x 9½ in. (32.8 x 24.2 cm.)

Joy Adamson (1910-1980) is perhaps best known as a conservationist and author, particularly of the series of books which document her experience rearing the orphaned lioness cub Elsa in Kenya (Born Free, Living Free, Forever Free). She was also a highly accomplished watercolourist, and her works include studies of the tribal people of East Africa and the region's flora and fauna. In 1947 she was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Grenfell Gold Medal in recognition of her botanical paintings.

Joy was born into a wealthy family in Troppau, Silesia, Austria. In 1935 she moved to Kenya with her first husband but shortly after she met the botanist Peter Bally who she married in 1938. The couple travelled throughout Kenya studying the plant life, and it was during this period that Joy produced a number of her botanical watercolours. These works act as accurate scientific documents and are a testament to Joy's skill as an artist.

In 1956 Joy and her third husband George Adamson adopted the lion cub Elsa. Joy recounted the experience of raising the cub and preparing it for life in the wild in her series of books which were to become an international success. In 1963 Joy founded The Elsa Conservation Trust which set out to promote and further conservation of wildlife and the environment in East Africa.

The present works span the period from the early 1940s to the late 1950s. They are a testament to Joy's ability as an artist and demonstrate her attention to detail, an understanding of her botanical subjects and her sensitive use of the medium.

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.