Exhibition: Worth a Thousand Words

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Presenting a selection of recent acquisitions, this exhibition will feature some of the finest botanical artworks in the RHS Lindley Collections and explore the ways in which contemporary artists continue to raise standards and push the boundaries of botanical illustration.

Botanical artworks have a scientific purpose but they are also revered for their aesthetic value. In recent times there has been a resurgent interest in this discipline with extremely talented artists emerging across the globe. The very best examples of botanical art today combine very close observation with artistic flair to create informative, scientifically accurate and beautiful pictures. Such works stand proud as showcases for a specific genus and species.

The RHS Lindley Library’s Art Collection numbers more than 30,000 drawings, dating back almost 400 years. The library continues to add to this collection and acquires contemporary Gold-medal standard botanical art by artists who have exhibited at RHS Shows. Artists must go through a rigorous selection process before being eligible to exhibit. Their works are judged by a panel of experts and all aspects of the display considered, from the technical skill of the artist; to the botanical and horticultural content of the picture and the accuracy of depiction; to the nature and scale of the project as a whole. This exhibition will feature original artworks in watercolour, gouache, pen and pencil, by artists who have excelled in all areas in order to achieve the Gold-medal standard.

Image: (partial view) Dahlia 'Arabian Night' by Carolyn Jenkins, 2011 (c) Carolyn Jenkins

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