Poisonous mushrooms: Irritating poisons' by George Edward Madeley (1840–1850)

Poisonous Mushrooms: “Irritating Poisons” (1840–1850) — George Edward Madeley

Victorian science with a warning in its leaves. This mid-19th-century plate gathers toadstools and caps associated with irritant toxins, rendered with crisp linework and tidy captions. It’s equal parts cautionary chart and decorative curiosity—perfect for kitchens, studios, and collectors of natural-history prints.

Why it captivates

• Victorian clarity — disciplined drawing and labeling from the golden age of lithography.

• Striking natural history — sculptural caps, gills, and stems in poised arrangements.

• Conversation piece — science, folklore, and design meet on one elegant sheet.

• Timeless palette — warm creams, russets, and greens suit classic or modern interiors.

• Educational charm — a historical taxonomy snapshot (not a foraging guide).

What you’ll see

A curated array of mushrooms shown in profile and section: fleshy caps, ribbed gills, ringed stipes, and rooted mycelial bases. Period legends and plate numerals key each specimen—order, anatomy, and caution distilled into a handsome classroom-style composition.

A richer historical frame

Between 1840 and 1850, British lithographers like George Edward Madeley brought medical and botanical knowledge to a wide audience through clear, affordable plates. Toxicology was a popular subject: charts like this married public-health instruction to fine draughtsmanship, turning the dangers of the hedgerow into memorable, teachable images.

Friendly note: This is a decorative historical print and not a field guide—always consult up-to-date expert sources for identification.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—great for kitchens and classrooms.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich colour and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

695 × 841 mm (approx. 27.36 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~5 : 6

• Nearest standard frame:

  • 70 × 100 cm portrait with a custom mat window cut to ~691 × 837 mm (2–3 mm overlap).

  • Prefer A-sizes? We can supply an A1-friendly 594 × 841 mm version on request.

Framing tips:
Classic: warm off-white mat, slim black or walnut moulding.
Contemporary: float-mount for a clean shadow gap and visible plate border.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Natural-history lovers and botanical-print collectors

• Designers & stylists curating warm, learned interiors

• Educators & students of botany, history of medicine, and print culture

• Gift-givers seeking something curious and conversation-starting

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Add Victorian science (with a wink of caution) to your wall—order your Poisonous Mushrooms print today.