Black and white oval portrait of Abraham Stansfield. Printed inscription on recto, 'Todmorden Botanical Society Established A.D. 1832.'. Ink inscription on verso, 'Abraham Stansfield'.. Abraham Stansfield (1802-1880) began his career as a hand loom weaver. In 1826 he took a job as a gardener, later opening his own nursery. At Vale nurseries he specialised in ferns and several varieties are named 'Stansfieldii'. He was President of the Todmorden Botanical Society from its founding in 1852.. Abraham Stansfield (1802-1880) began his career as a hand loom weaver. In 1826 he took a job as a gardener, later opening his own nursery. At Vale nurseries he specialised in ferns and several varieties are named 'Stansfieldii'. He was President of the Todmorden Botanical Society from its founding in 1852.