The collection contains 164 botanical and zoological paintings created chiefly by Elizabeth Gwillim as well as possibly by her sister Mary Symonds while living in Chennai, India (then Madras). The collection includes 121 watercolours of birds with inscriptions, 31 watercolours of fish, and twelve of flowers, drawn from life rather than specimens. The paintings reflect the sisters' time in Madras during which, as artists and letter writers, they created a substantial visual record of the landscape and inhabitants of Madras and environs. The paintings also reflect Gwillim's scientific pursuits, including her study of botany.
Painting showing a side view of brown fish with red fins; scales individually rendered; blue wash underneath. Pencilled inscription on mat reads, "Apogon cupreus."
Painting showing a side view of brown fish; scales rendered through cross-hatching; blue wash underneath. Pencil inscription on mat reads, "Balistes viridescens."
Painting showing a side view of grey fish with pale coral accents and dark grey dots over body; blue wash underneath. Inscriptions on mat read, "Serranus horridus" and "Chǎpkilwan."
Painting showing a side view of striated light-coloured angelfish with black-and-yellow fins and tail. Pencil inscription on mat reads, "Chaetodon vagabundus."
Painting showing a side view of striated blue and brown fish; blue and grey wash underneath. Inscription on mat reads, "Serranus formosus" and "(?) Kĭwān" in pencil.