Imaginary Herbaria of Dr James Miranda Barry

Artwork of an imaginary herbarium re-interpreted from a historical anatomical plate (source: Sir Astley Paston Cooper, 1768-1841), using inks, pastels and graphite on paper. Text in image reads: Tonight I have sown breasts Their fragrant flowers help me to forgive and forget The Imaginary Herbaria of Dr James Miranda Barry marks the 150th anniversary of Dr Barry's death. It is a fictional journal that tells the story of Dr Barry playing with her books of anatomy and writing about her elusive and secluded private life. Margaret Ann Balkley was born in 1795 and in order to be admitted to university and practice medicine, took on the name of James Miranda Barry, as women were not permitted to enter university at that time.