You are invited to a curator’s tour of Unearthed: The Power of Gardening exhibition at the British Library. Meet at the British Library for visit with the Curator, followed by lunch very kindly provided by Helen Potts in her flat in Regent’s Park. Lunch is followed by a short walk to the Royal College of Physicians’ Garden for a guided walk at 3 pm.
Unearthed: The Power of Gardening is a forthcoming (2 May to 10 August) exhibition at the British Library exploring the transformative, enriching and sometimes radical power of gardening in Britain and how it impacts people, communities and the environment. Presenting items ranging from the only surviving illustrated collection of herbal remedies from Anglo-Saxon England and the first gardening manual printed in 1564 alongside paintings, pamphlets and richly illustrated botanical works, this major exhibition reveals how gardening has contributed to social and political change throughout history. From rural and urban gardens and allotments to indoor gardens and windowsills, the exhibition delves into how the act of gardening heals and sustains people in a multitude of ways. It explores how gardening brings people together, empowers communities and shapes our relationship with the natural world. It also considers gardening as a form of activism, as a means of challenging land ownership and highlighting social disparities, as well as the consequences of the international movement of plants for the environment and human societies.
The Royal College of Physicians’ garden contains over 1,100 plants, a unique and bespoke collection, living examples of the history of medicine from the era of the Pyramids to today’s prescription drugs. A member of the RCP will lead a guided tour lasting 1 hour.
Please note Bobart events are for Bobart and Danby Group Patrons only. If you currently hold a Friend membership and wish to purchase any of the Bobart events tickets, you will have to first upgrade your membership. Otherwise we will automatically refund your ticket(s) if you do not hold the correct membership.
The booking link below is only accessible by Patrons with a password. Please contact the Friends Team (friends.administrator@obg.ox.ac.uk) if you have not received information about this.
