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

A set of six chromolithographs of fruit by May Rivers (1862–1939) from The Fruit Grower’s Guide. Authored by John Wright, F.R.H.S., and published in London by J.S. Virtue & Co. in 1891, the volume provided a detailed reference on fruit cultivation for Victorian gardeners.

The plates show pears, apples, and peaches drawn from specimens at Rivers Nursery of Sawbridgeworth. May Rivers, a botanical artist and daughter of nurseryman Thomas Francis Rivers, illustrated the work with attention to botanical detail. 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 six.

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