Charlotte Murchison

Charlotte, Lady Murchison (née Hugonin; 18 April 1788 – 9 February 1869) was a British geologist born in Hampshire, England. She was married to the nineteenth-century geologist Roderick Impey Murchison. Several times during her life, the couple travelled throughout continental Europe, visiting places such as France, the Alps, and Italy. She also created numerous sketches of geological features, such as cliffs and fossils, in England during their numerous excursions throughout the country, including the Yorkshire coast in 1826. Charlotte built a significant collection of fossils during the Murchisons’ travels, as well as studying and drawing as a lifelong pursuit. Applying what she had been taught by the painter Paul Sandby, she created geological sketches of important features. With many of her sketches, she often did not focus on the geological features in detail, but instead created a more emotive illustration of the landscape. Through her work, she also helped her husband to develop many of his publications. Many of her illustrations, such as "Valley of Gosau", were incorporated into works her husband published. Charlotte is also often credited with being a significant influence on her husband’s career. On one of the trips she took with her husband, she contracted malaria and suffered complications for the rest of her life, until succumbing to the disease at the age of 80. Charlotte Murchison died on 9 February 1869 at Belgrave Square, London. She was buried at Brompton Cemetery in London.