Potted Histories: An Artistic Voyage Through Plant Exploration

Every garden plant has a name - it has been discovered by someone, described by someone and has often been the subject of a life's work. Each one has a story to tell, some are from the harshest environments on earth, some have flowers which mimic rotting flesh, while still others have a beauty which defies the human imagination. The history of garden plants is one of science and adventure, mirrored by the stories of artists who have recorded the plants in exquisite and devoted detail. As with scientists, particular plants have often been the inspiration for an entire artistic career - such is their power to arouse passion. Potted Histories is a voyage of discovery though some of the treasures of botanical painting held in the collections of the Natural History Museum. Each chapter, or 'potted history' is devoted to a particular plant - some familiar, some more exotic, but all with a surprise or two in store. The full colour artworks are accompanied by text which explores the discovery and development of each plant - from wild origins in far-flung places to their place in today's gardens.