The Hesterian

30 Dec

After Thomas de Critz, *Hester Tradescant and her stepson, John*, 1645. Ashmolean Museum, 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

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.

This poem is specifically formatted for mobile devices. However, for the best possible reading experience, I recommend reading it on a desktop computer.

— Dr Aimee Blackledge

Aimee Blackledge is an American author and editor who lives in the UK. She has a Master's of Studies (M.St) and a Doctor of Philosophy (D.Phil) in the History of Art from the University of Oxford. She is an Associate Member of the Society of Authors and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading.

For the past 10 years, Aimee has worked extensively across academia as a research associate, lecturer, curator, tutor, and post-doctoral researcher. As a Researcher Developer at the University of Liverpool, she facilitated academic writing retreats and coached researchers in achieving their most ambitious writing goals.

Aimee writes historical fiction about art. Her writing focuses on amplifying the work and perspectives of women. Her latest collection of poems, Ghost Bones, was published under the mentorship of T. S. Eliot Prize winner, Joelle Taylor.

http://www.aimeeblackledge.com

The Hesterian

This poem is specifically formatted for mobile devices. However, for the best possible reading experience, I recommend reading it on a desktop computer.

I Made Them