Joan Bacon botanical artist for HPA - Harris Memorial Medal winner

Chris presenting Joan with a Phillip Harris Memorial Medal and Certificate in recognition of her significant contribution to the study of Himalayan flora through her contributions, particularly the line-drawings which graced Himalayan Plant Association newsletters & journals

(see close-up of certificate below).

Article about JOAN BACON which appeared in the March 2006 edition of the 'Downs Mail' - note I have been incorrectly elevated to 'Dr' Chadwell but cannot say I minded that ...

The certificate which accompanied the medal © Chris Chadwell

Front cover of the issue of the 'Downs Mail' which featured the article about Joan

Background information about Joan reproduced from Himalayan Plant Association Journal

Painting by Joan Bacon (1984) of Pedicularis bicornuta, Gentiana cachemrica and Arisaema jacquemontii (I am not sure how the spathe of the cobra-lily and three of the leaflets ended up partial whitish, as they are normally green) - the medium is gouache, resulting in a lovely rich yellow.

Snap of Chris Chadwell presenting Joan with Medal and framed certificate © Chris Chadwell

CHRIS WAS RELIEVED, GIVEN JUST HOW MANY LINE DRAWINGS JOAN HAD PREPARED, WHICH HELPED ILLUSTRATE NEWSLETTERS AND JOURNALS OF THE HIMALAYAN PLANT ASSOCIATION FOR MANY YEARS, THAT HE WAS ABLE TO MAKE THE PRESENTATION, SHORTLY BEFORE SHE PASSED AWAY. SHE HAD THE FRAMED CERTIFICATE AND MEDAL AT HER BED-SIDE WHEN SHE DIED, ENABLING HER, HER NURSES AND VISITORS TO HAVE SOMETHING POSITIVE TO SPEAK ABOUT DURING HER LAST DAYS.

Front cover of a Himalayan Plant Association journal using a line drawing by Joan Bacon as the illustration.

Selection of introductions from the Himalaya grown & photographed by Phillip Harris in his private garden near York