FLOWERING PLANTS of the ENDEAVOUR RIVER

COOKTOWN

VERA SCARTH-JOHNSON, OAM (1912-1999)

Botanical illustrator, conservationist, artist, naturalist.

Vera’s passion for plants began in her early childhood, in Yorkshire, and lasted throughout her life. She arrived in Australia in 1947, very proudly a “Ten Pound Pom”.

Wherever she went exploring, Vera collected and painted specimens for botanic gardens and museums around the world.

Her keen botanical interest eventually brought her to Cooktown and Cape York Peninsula. She began what she termed her “life work”, collecting and illustrating the flowering plants of the Endeavour River Valley. She was inspired by the first naturalists to come here - Joseph Banks and Daniel Solander in 1770. Her work is renowned for its accuracy and artistry.

She gave her Endeavour River series illustrations to the people of Cooktown in 1990. In 2013, her life and work were declared to be of National Significance. Vera’s illustrations remind us all to respect and care for our natural world.

Nature’s PowerHouse, in the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, was purpose-built to exhibit Vera’s work.

Sixteen cards & Vera’s book “National Treasures” are available at

Nature’s PowerHouse - Cooktown Botanic Gardens

Finch Bay Road, PO Box 616, Cooktown, 4895

Tel. 07 40 695 926