Intricate colour-illustrated Victorian books written by the former owner of Widford Place in Chelmsford - who died 104 years ago - could fetch up to £36,000 in a special auction in Sothebys next month.

Robert Warner was an avid orchid collector and reputedly had the world's finest collection in the 1880's and 90's and produced, with a top illustrator of the day Select Orchidaecous Plants .

They are described as: "An extremely rare third series of an important work on orchids - the only other complete set in 25 years to come to auction".

Mr Warner died at Widford Lodge in December 1896, aged 81 after being a 'zealous cultivator of orchids' and had produced his volume in three series published from 1862-91.

In 1869 he sent 50 large specimens to St Petersburg for an exhibition and they survived the 20 day trek intact.

Mr Warner was elected in February 1894 a member of the exclusive and learned Linnean Society - named after the Swedish naturalist Linnaeus.

The orchid variety Cuttleya Warneri was named in his honour

Eighty two of lithographed plates will be on offer by Glasgow-born Walter Hood Fitch one of the most prolific 19th century botanical lithographers, a protege of William Hooker, director of Kew Botanical Gardens where, coincidentally, next spring a special orchid event is being held.

Sothebys London Sale is on December 14. Their catalogue states that: Robert Warner (c.1815-1896) was a British orchid grower at Chelmsford.

He began this series because he claimed that there had been no recent publication illustrating orchids: "On a scale commensurate with their natural grandeur. It is intended that our illustrations shall present not only accurate but highly finished portraits of the most interesting of the species and varieties of the Orchid family, especially those of recent introduction."

Dot Bedenham of Chelmsford Museum Service has appealed for further information and photographs about Warner for an exhibition she is working on about Chelmsford people to be staged in two years time. Call 01245 615102.

Orchid story: One of Walter Fitch's illustrations.

By Peter Baker

Reporter's e-mail: peter.baker@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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