Golden Fritillaria

Rooted in the cultural fabric of the city, The New York Botanical Garden has been a connective hub among people, plants, and the planet since 1891. Our Golden Fritillaria design, created in collaboration with NYBG, captures this spirit by spotlighting the decorative Fritillaria imperialis flower, alongside an iconic glass conservatory.

The original artwork can be found in the 1827 French botanical book Choix des plus belles fleurs (“Selection of the Most Beautiful Flowers”), a collection of 144 watercolour plates by renowned botanical illustrator Pierre-Joseph Redouté. An artist once known as “the Raphael of Flowers,” he has captured the essence of nature’s beauty with his hand-coloured plates, which were then published as copper engravings.

In this design blooms the Fritillaria imperialis, also known as the Crown Imperial, with its royal poise and uncommon charm. Native to the Middle East, this regal, lily-like plant was one of the first ornamental species cultivated by humans. Historical accounts suggest it was grown in gardens from Constantinople to Vienna as early as 1570. Despite its beauty, with its crown of green leaves above a ring of hanging, bell-shaped yellow blossoms, this plant emits an unusual odour that repels insects and pests. Thankfully, our design offers only its visual charm, one that is certain to attract.

Echoing the botanical elegance of the noble plant is the architectural grace found in a conservatory sketch designed by Lord & Burnham, America’s premier glasshouse firm since 1849. Created for the estate of William Fox (1879–1955), founder of the Fox Film Corporation, this conservatory was part of his Long Island estate built in the early 20th century. Lord & Burnham, who designed this glass palace, left a lasting legacy on the world of botanical architecture, with their most iconic creation being the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at The New York Botanical Garden. This Victorian-style glasshouse remains a crown jewel of the Garden, acting as a sanctuary where visitors can explore the joy, beauty, and respite of nature.

We are delighted to work with NYBG to share nature’s beauty through this first collaborative stationery series. This collection supports NYBG’s work in plant research and conservation, horticulture, and education.