Sir Joseph Banks commemorative certificates to mark special occasions
(22/08/2008)

Researched Solutions is offering limited edition Sir Joseph Banks commemorative certificates as unusual gift ideas to mark special occasions. In August 1768, the youngest member of the Royal Society, Joseph Banks, joined the Endeavour at Plymouth for Captain James Cook’s famed expedition to the uncharted lands of the South Pacific.

Designed by famed Derbyshire artist David Charlesworth as an B2 (520mm x 720mm) litho print with the title blocked in gold coloured metallic foil, each certificate features a history of Overton Hall and a piece of the drawing room floorboards, taken during ongoing restoration work.

Dr Cheryle Berry, chairman of the Sir Joseph Banks Society, says: “I think this certificate is a great opportunity to own a piece of Banksian heritage, especially knowing that these floorboards could have been walked on by Sir Joseph and the many distinguished guests that he entertained at Overton Hall. The certificate has been produced to help raise funds towards the further restoration of Overton Hall and its gardens, which I have seen first hand.”

Shelley Chapman of Researched Solutions, who wrote the history, comments: “The thought behind the design of this certificate was to offer something that wasn’t just visual, but was a material part of Sir Joseph Banks’s life.”

She adds: “The certificate appeals to anyone with an interest in Sir Joseph Banks or Captain James Cook – not only Australians but history collectors, horticultural historians and rare print enthusiasts. It provides an alternative gift for those wanting to celebrate birthdays, retirements and anniversaries, or even Australia day on January 26."

Certificates can be reserved online and will retail at £47, which includes a free download of a special 14 page report ‘Discover the Little Known Facts of Sir Joseph Banks and Overton Hall.’ Researched Solutions is the sole supplier of the report which cannot be bought separately.

The first 100 certificates will be signed by designer David Charlesworth and Shelley Chapman.