Isabella A Allen - who was she?

[jonw65]

Good luck!
Let us know how you get on.

Lily mentioned Isabella's will (good spot!)
More details from the probate calendar, 1865
https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk/Calendar?surname=allen&yearOfDeath=1865&page=8#calendar

[Lily M]

Curiosity drove me to order a copy.  Only £1.50, so doesn’t really matter if it’s not needed by the time it arrives.   Not due until 13th July.  What a pity we can no longer just walk into the Probate Department to order and collect a couple of hours later.

[LizzieL]

Curiosity drove me to order a copy.  Only £1.50, so doesn’t really matter if it’s not needed by the time it arrives.   Not due until 13th July.  What a pity we can no longer just walk into the Probate Department to order and collect a couple of hours later.

you might get it earlier. I ordered one on 16th June, estimated to come on 1st July and got it on the 18th june. 48 hours almost to the minute!

[ShaunJ]

I'm seeing a few references to Isabella Anne Allen as a minor watercolour artist, including this one in an auction in 2006  "Isabella Anne Allen - watercolour study of roses and other flowers in oval mount". 

[MonicaL]

Another ref here https://bidtoart.com/art/hemlock-leaved-storks-bill;-snowdrops/78816bae-bc0c-11ea-ad5f-c4b301b9da2d

I wonder if the mention of 'The handwritten inscription reads "Mrs Allen, La Botaniste"' was in her hand to let comparisions in writing to be made.

Monica

[Pinetree]

Identity now confirmed, well done Rootschaters 😁


https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57847727

Pinetree

[chris_49]

The RHS confirms our researches. No acknowledgment to me, but the article says several people suggested this particular Isabella Allen.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57847727