The Story of the Herefordshire Pomona by Bill Laws

The Herefordshire Pomona is a remarkable book. Launched in the late nineteenth century as no more than a collection of ‘coloured figures and descriptions of the most esteemed kinds of Apples and Pears,’ it is widely considered a landmark in British publishing.

Despite its provincial origins – much of it was written by a country doctor and illustrated by his daughter and a virtually unknown artist – the Pomona has gained an international reputation and risen in value like a piece of fine art. Thanks to the 441 exceptional watercolours by its women illustrators, in effect this is what it is.

Richly illustrated with photographs, manuscripts and plates, this book reveals the story behind this incredible project and celebrates the rich diversity of Herefordshire’s orchards.