Set of Nine Fruit Chromolithographs by May Rivers, English circa 1892

A set of nine chromolithographs depicting fruit cultivars, illustrated by May Rivers (1862–1939) for The Fruit Grower’s Guide. Authored by John Wright, F.R.H.S., and published in London by J.S. Virtue & Co. (Preface dated October 1891), the work served as a comprehensive treatise on Victorian fruit cultivation. 1

The plates illustrate various specimen fruits—including apples, pears, and stone fruits—rendered with botanical accuracy. Specific cultivars identified in this set include the ‘Newton Wonder’ and ‘Sandringham’ apples, and the ‘Pine Apple’ nectarine. May Rivers, a botanical artist and daughter of the nurseryman Thomas Francis Rivers, utilized specimens from her family’s Rivers Nursery of Sawbridgeworth to create the illustrations. Each chromolithograph is custom matted with multiple borders in cream and gold-ruled hand-lined mounts, housed in giltwood frames with stepped profiles. Late 19th Century, England. Sold as a complete set of nine.

Height: 21 in. (53 cm.)
Width: 18.5 in. (47 cm.)

Literature & Citations
Artist Dates: Mary Laura (May) Rivers (1862–1939). Source: England & Wales, National Probate Calendar.

Family Context: Daughter of Thomas Francis Rivers (1830–1899); granddaughter of Thomas Rivers (1798–1877). Source: Rivers Nursery of Sawbridgeworth History (rhso.co.uk).

Publication: John Wright, The Fruit Grower’s Guide (London: J.S. Virtue & Co., 1891). Source: Preface, Vol. 1, p. iv.