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Our collection of prints from the Royal Society’s archive and library covers over 350 years of science. They make great alternative Christmas gifts, available to buy now from our .

Images have been selected from our rare books and manuscripts to offer a range of inspiring visual material. They’re available to buy as high-quality fine art posters, framed prints and canvases or even individual greetings cards. Here are some ideas to get you started.

is currently on its pass by the Sun and has been visible from Earth in 2023, making it the perfect print for comet-lovers this year. With an orbital period of only 3.3 years, this short-period comet makes a regular appearance in the heavens. The above observation was made by in 1848 at Hartwell House in Buckinghamshire, and used in the book , a history of the manor house and its observatory. It was worked up into this striking mezzotint by the engraver , an authority on astronomical illustrations who worked for the Royal Society and the Royal Astronomical Society.

This vivid chromolithograph of interference spectra is from by (London, 1896 edition). The work is copied from an earlier illustration by German physicist Friedrich Magnus Schwerd which demonstrated this optical marvel. Tyndall described the separation of light wavelengths through diffraction gratings as having a ‘gorgeous effect’ and it certainly stands out.

As another gift idea, why not choose a painting of one of the great names of science? This bold, energetic preparatory study of is by the noted portraitist , who produced two formal portraits of Newton ( and ) which are both in the Society’s holdings. Shown in closeup, it’s hard not to be drawn in by Newton’s dark and liquid eyes.

This botanical study of the ochre yellow Prosthechea ochracea orchid will keep your living room wall looking flowery through the winter cold. It’s an exquisite engraving after the British illustrator , taken from the 1838 volume of the horticultural journal . This was edited by , who employed Drake, a childhood friend of his sister, to illustrate his botanical publications. Drake was an accomplished artist who contributed over a thousand paintings to the Register over 15 years, a .

The working designs of include windmills, watermills, canals, bridges and machines for raising water, with over 1200 drawings from projects across Great Britain in the second half of the eighteenth century. This original pen-and-ink wash plan is for a horse-engine pump house that served the former Weevil brewery in Gosport, Hampshire. It’s a fine example of Smeaton’s talents as a draughtman who executed his own technical drawings, assisted by his daughters for the shading and finishing of the works, giving texture and depth. We have a , popular with local history enthusiasts, and we’re working on scanning and digitising more of this important collection.

And if there’s too much choice in the , you can always opt for a , valid against any image and product. Happy shopping!