1901 Richard Smith & Co. Advert – Fruit Seeds & Roses Catalogue

Description

1901 Richard Smith & Co. Advert – Fruit Seeds & Roses Catalogue

This beautifully illustrated 1901 nursery advert offers a glimpse into the grand scale of Edwardian horticulture — from fruit trees to 80,000 clematis, all available by post from Worcester.

Measurements: approx. 2 x 4 inches
Dates: February 9, 1901
Source: The Sphere
Condition: In decent vintage condition. Please inspect images for quality.
Internal notes: QC passed

We warmly invite your offers:
If this piece speaks to you, feel free to send us an offer.
Every submission is personally considered with care — we value fair, friendly offers from fellow collectors and vintage enthusiasts.

At the dawn of the 20th century, British gardeners were enticed by elaborate nursery adverts such as this striking example from Richard Smith & Co., Worcester. Published in The Sphere on 9 February 1901, this vertically styled print features large decorative fonts and tree trunk illustrations — underscoring the natural abundance being offered. “FRUIT – SEEDS – ROSES” headlined the piece, proudly declaring the availability of hundreds of thousands of garden favourites.

Smith’s catalogue boasted 91 acres of ornamental trees, four acres of glasshouses, and 80,000 clematis, alongside herbaceous plants and roses in pots “from 15/- a dozen.” It was a monumental operation, offering bulk garden stock by post with carriage-free delivery for pre-paid orders. With nearly 200 pages, the firm’s general catalogue could be ordered for just 3d postage, delivering richly illustrated horticultural knowledge to customers across Britain — from serious growers to leisure gardeners.

Today, this advert stands as a charming and informative artefact from the golden age of Edwardian botanical trade. Collectors of vintage seed, rose, and nursery advertising will appreciate its bold visual impact and promotional language. Whether framed or filed in an ephemera archive, it preserves the ambitious reach of Britain’s pre-war garden industry — and the pride with which it served the amateur and professional alike.

Categories:
ephemera, gardening, roses, seeds, vintage

Tags:
1901, advert, clematis, fruit, gardening, nursery, richard smith, roses, seeds, worcester

Focus Keyword:
richard smith seeds advert

Suggested Internal Link Keywords:
vintage seed adverts, edwardian gardening, rose nursery ephemera, the sphere magazine, horticultural catalogues