Our story
Clarence Bicknell’s great-great-grandniece, Alice Frearson (née Bicknell), was introduced to her ancestor’s rich legacy through her father, Marcus Bicknell, who delved deeply into Clarence’s life and work. It was during this journey that Alice discovered the Casa Fontanella Visitors’ Book, a collection of Clarence’s hand-painted watercolours.
Alongside her husband, James Frearson, who shares a passion for design and interiors, Alice was inspired to bring Clarence’s botanical art into the modern home. With a shared love for nature’s hues and natural textures, they saw an opportunity to introduce Clarence’s timeless floral studies to a new generation of like-minded collectors and design enthusiasts.
Together, they founded Clarence Botanica to celebrate and share this beautiful heritage with the world.
Clarence Botanica was founded to preserve and celebrate the extraordinary botanical works of Clarence Bicknell (1842–1918).
A naturalist, artist, and scholar, Bicknell devoted his life to documenting the flora of the Ligurian Alps and the Riviera. His illustrations combine scientific precision with poetic sensitivity. Each petal rendered with care, each specimen observed with devotion.
More than a century later, his works remain as delicate and captivating as the day they were first drawn.
Clarence Botanica exists to ensure they continue to be seen, appreciated, and lived with.
About clarence
Clarence Botanica was founded to preserve and celebrate the extraordinary botanical works of Clarence Bicknell (1842–1918).A naturalist, artist, and scholar, Bicknell devoted his life to documenting the flora of the Ligurian Alps and the Riviera. His illustrations combine scientific precision with poetic sensitivity. Each petal rendered with care, each specimen observed with devotion.More than a century later, his works remain as delicate and captivating as the day they were first drawn.