The Hesterian

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Attributed to Thomas de Critz, Hester Tradescant and her stepson, John, 1645. Oil on canvas, 136 x 111 cm. Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Image © Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford.

Here me now, don’t pass me by with my black capotain worn high Peep views of scarlet-painted iris twirls My broach branch dripping in pearls

I meet travellers from far and wide Come to South-Lambeth’s Ark, our pride A collection of rarities and plants Belonging to the father & son, Tradescants

They pay for entry and write of our repute An orchard full of exotics and curious fruit Never a thought of worry passed my mind Until the day we were both played for blind

A slinking snake slid into our garden Elias Ashmole, that alchemist charlatan Befriended my John and filled his head with notions of greatness that misled

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Aimee Blackledge ©2024.