The Herbology Room
@theherbologyroom
@theplantroom
@leedslibraries
Today I finally found the time to visit Leeds Central Library and their 'Herbology Room' exhibition. Part of the wider 'Harry Potter: A History of Magic' installation, The Herbology Room is a beautiful space put together in association with the lovely curators in everything botanical: The Plant Room. This installation and exhibition aims to celebrate the power (and magic) of plants and creates a super special environment to escape and get back to nature.
What I really loved about the Herbology Room, aside from the beautiful exotic and poisonous plant installation, the carefully placed hanging dried plant specimens and the atmosphere created by the low lit succulents in terrariums - the carefully chosen botanical illustrations were in particular stunning. Hanging from the walls, or as posters or prints for sale, the curators had chosen to showcase intricate and traditional botanical works by William Curtis, picked out of his illustrated herbal "Flora Londinensis" - 1777. Not only this, the original 6 volume publication of the "Flora Londinensis" was also presented in a cabinet which was really special to see in the flesh.
Much of the botanical illustration we see today is often showcased as isolated works appreciated as pieces of art and taken out of their original context (herbals, medicinal publications, agricultural works etc). Flora Londinensis, along with many original herbal publications and botanical compendium works (housing the array of illustrations which most of my research project is centred around) - have remained prized items - rarely touched or seen by the public, therefore viewing this publication gave me a real sense of the importance, beauty and value of botanical illustrations sat alongside their scientific text as originally intended by both artist and botanist.
At this stage of my COP3 research project, it was really rewarding and reassuring to undergo some primary research and see works by botanical illustrators and botanists being celebrated. More importantly however, it was amazing seeing key figures who synergise with and who I recognise from my research project and essay - being showcased. I truly believe we are currently experiencing a renaissance in the appreciation for botanical art and illustration (both vintage and contemporary) as well as a new found love for all things nature and plant based, something which this exhibition and installation is a key example of.
Artists works on show in this exhibition
Modern day, contemporary illustration:
Katie Scott
Historical, traditional, vintage illustration:
William Curtis
James Sowerby
Sydenham Edwards
William Kilburn