Groundwork: the Art and Writing of Emily Cumming Harris w/ Michele Leggott and Catherine Field-Dodgson: 2nd May, 2025

Emily Cumming Harris was one of New Zealand’s first female botanical artists and writers. However, herself and her work has largely been forgotten. Neither her distinctive voice nor her almost 200 surviving images have been heard or seen in any quantity outside of archival or online spaces. 

Groundwork: the Art and Writing of Emily Cumming Harris is a new book by author, poet and emeritus Professor of English at the University of Auckland, Michele Leggott, and co-author Catherine Field-Dodgson, published by Te Papa Press. It is the first detailed study of Harris’ exhibiting practices. 

Sofia had a kōrero with Michele and Catherine about the book and what inspired them to embark on this research