Book Description

This sumptuous, richly illustrated catalogue weaves together botanical history and art, showcasing Oxford’s collections.

Flowers and plants are a staple of British life. Nearly 40% of the population considers themselves to be gardeners, making this and associated activities a national pursuit. And yet, while we hold endless discussions over how to seed, grow, and disseminate our cherished plants, we still known relatively little about how they were collected, exchanged, circulated, identified, and modified, and how much art has shaped our understanding and appreciation of them. This publication, designed to accompany the homonymous exhibition at the Ashmolean Museum, explores some of these plant stories through highlights from Oxford’s collections.