6 Botanical Art Exhibitions

Our best picks across the country

Mixing illustrative science with botanical fruit and art garden retreats, we pin point the best places to get your botanical fix in 2017. Prepare to be inspired by the evolving world of contemporary botanicals and their historic significance. Better still, take a piece of the exhibitions and make it part of your home, perhaps a wallpaper design or re-upholstered cushion, the perfect way to ensure your home styling and plants are the perfect match.

 

Botanical Beauty: Botanical art open

Discover the tradition of marrying art with science via illustration, an expression that dates back as far as the 6th century. The open exhibition showcases the renaissance in this genre of contemporary British illustrations through a variety of styles – perfect for the botanical beginner.

Happening now - 1st April 2017

Where: Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, London

 

 

Ventnor Botanical Artists Spring Exhibition 

Delve deep into the work of 15 artists, all members of the Ventnor Botanical Artists, with an exhibition that celebrates the beauty of spring through floral art work. With pictures ranging from strong classical botanical art to more relaxed, softer pieces, you’ll see watercolours, pencil and acrylics, all celebrating the diversity of the natural world.

Happening 23rd March – 28th March 2017

Where: Quarr Abbey, Quarr Rd, Fishbourne, Ryde

Joseph Hooker: Putting plants in their place

Plant collector and founder of modern botanical classification, Joseph Hooker believed botany revolved around putting plants in their place. To mark 200 years since his birth and the impact he had on Kew, this exhibition will focus on an eclectic range of journals, artefacts, paintings and sketches owned and drawn by Hooker himself. Keen to get a glimpse into the mind of a famous botanical thinker? Then this exhibition is for you.

Happening 25th March – 17th September 2017

Where: Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art, Kew Gardens, London

A Response to ‘The Tradescants’ Orchard’

For a more fruitful take on botanical art, head down to a contemporary exhibition comprising of watercolours by 50 eminent botanical artists from as far afield as Europe, Korea and USA. Alongside this will be a display of ‘The Tradescants’ Orchard’, a volume of 62 watercolours that depict the fruit varieties famed 17th century naturalist John Tradescant and his son grew in their Lambeth market garden.

Happening April – September 2017

Where: The Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London  

‘Changing Seasons’

Every year The Society of Botanical Artists holds a major open exhibition with the aim of providing educational content to the public, focussing on a different botanical theme. The exhibition is designed to inspire artists while also excite visitors, and is considered one the best in the country.  Artists paint subjects relating to the chosen theme and many then offer interesting facts and anecdotes to accompany their work, creating an added dimension for visitors. This year the theme will be ‘Changing Seasons’  to mark the change of date from a spring exhibition to an Autumnal one.

Happening: 13-17th October 2017

Where: Central Hall, Westminster, London

The Art Garden, Manchester

For something a little different, visit The Whitworth in Manchester. Comprising an unusual partnership between renowned perfume brand, Jo Malone London, and landscape garden designer, Sarah Price, the museum has created a living art garden that reveals itself in different textures, colours and scents through the seasons. The perfect therapeutic retreat for botanical enthusiasts.

Happening: Now

Where: The Whitworth, Manchester

Interested in attending? Let us know where you're heading on the Joy of Plants Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! 

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