At first glance, they may seem like delicate, innocent flowers, with their vivid petals and intricate leaves. But don’t be deceived by their beauty… these exquisite illustrations by naturalist and artist Estelle Thomson depict some of Queensland’s most poisonous plants and marine molluscs.
Nicknamed the “Little Album of Horrors” within the collection at Queensland State Archives (QSA), these stunning works of art were originally commissioned for the ‘Department of Social and Tropical Medicine’ – a department within The University of Queensland’s Medical School at the time.
Each intricate artwork was, crafted with watercolour, pen, and ink, was designed as an educational resource for medical students, providing critical knowledge about Queensland’s flora during that era. And yet, the artist behind the drawings is just as fascinating.
Estelle Thomson was born in Scotland in 1894 and moved to Australia in 1919 with her husband, Aubrey Fredrick Thomson, a Queensland surveying engineer. The couple settled in Eight Mile Plains (only a short distance from QSA today), where they raised poultry and crops. Estelle became an active member of the Queensland Naturalists’ Club, contributing her artistic talents to the club’s wildflower shows.
Estelle’s passion for nature extended beyond her art – she authored several books on Australian wildflowers, illustrated with her own detailed drawings, and she shared her knowledge through newspaper columns, radio talks, and school presentations.
Source: McKay, Judith (1997) Brilliant Careers – Women collectors and illustrators in Queensland, Queensland Museum Publication
Between 1939 and 1942, Estelle created the Register of Drawings of Poisonous Plants of Queensland and collected specimens for the Queensland Herbarium. Each drawing in the register occupies its own page, rendered with lifelike detail and signed by the artist. These works predate the widespread use of colour photography in botanical studies, making them an invaluable resource for both scientific and artistic communities.
In an age where weed identification tools are available at the click of a button, Estelle’s contribution to science and art deserves to be celebrated. Her remarkable work serves as a timeless reminder of the intersection between art and science, and the vital role that both play in understanding and preserving our natural world. Her dedication to documenting Queensland’s unique and sometimes dangerous flora has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and educate.
Do you think you can help us identify some of the lesser-known plants in this collection? Check out our Flickr album and share your insights in the comments! Visit QSA’s Flickr album here.
If you’d like to see more of Estelle Thomson’s beautiful drawings, take a look at the beautiful collection lantern slides at the State Library of Queensland.