Artists in the Florilegium Society of Chelsea Physic Garden devote for three days to meticulously paint a single leaf, revealing their remarkable dedication and intricate craftsmanship.
Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society: Preserving Botanical Art and History
Nestled near the Embankment in London, the historic Chelsea Physic Garden has been a hub of botanical exploration and education since its establishment in 1673. Today, the garden continues to thrive, thanks in part to the Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society (CPGFS).
The CPGFS is an association of top botanical illustrators, established in 1995, dedicated to the art and study of botanical illustration, known as florilegia. These collections of botanical paintings or drawings combine scientific accuracy with artistic depiction, traditionally used to document and celebrate plant species.
The society plays a vital role in preserving and promoting botanical art related to the Garden's plants and history. While direct search results do not explicitly define the CPGFS, it can be inferred from the garden's mission and activities that the society fosters a sense of camaraderie and purpose, helping to keep botanical illustration alive.
A Legacy of Botanical Art
The CPGFS contributes to the legacy of botanical art, helping to document plant species, some with medicinal or historical importance. The society's works are donated to the Chelsea Physic Garden for its archive and used to raise funds by licensing the images for products.
One such artist is Mary Ellen Taylor, who has produced works showcasing endangered birds of the Galapagos Islands and Romanian wildflowers for a florilegium commissioned by The King, then Prince of Wales.
Historical Significance
The society supports conservation and education about plants through the visual medium of art, which historically has been critical for the study and dissemination of botanical knowledge before photographic methods prevailed. The CPGFS helps maintain the unique cultural and scientific heritage of the Chelsea Physic Garden, which was historically linked to important figures like Sir Joseph Banks, who contributed to the advancement of botany and natural history in Britain.
The Process
Creating a botanical illustration can take several years, as seen with Mary Ellen Taylor's magnolia tree painting. The process often requires the use of microscopes and magnifying glasses for accuracy. Artists are allowed to take home cuttings of the selected plant, which can vary depending on growing conditions.
Growing Membership
The CPGFS is home to a dedicated group of artists, most of whom have been involved with the society for years. Despite ebbing during the pandemic, numbers are on the rise once more. Margaret King, the founder of CPGFS, had a career in the fashion industry, working as a director at British clothing brand Aquascutum and as Margaret Thatcher's stylist.
Other Art Forms
Some members are involved in other art forms, such as Gillian Barlow, who paints heraldry at London's College of Arms. The society encourages diversity in artistic expression while maintaining a focus on botanical accuracy.
Access and Membership
An annual membership to the Chelsea Physic Garden provides access an hour before it opens to the general public. This exclusive opportunity allows members to immerse themselves in the beauty and history of the garden, gaining inspiration for their own botanical creations.
In summary, the Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society is significant for fostering the art of botanical illustration connected to one of the oldest and most historically important physic gardens in the world. By preserving and promoting botanical art, the society supports both scientific research and cultural heritage, contributing to the legacy of the Chelsea Physic Garden and the world of botany.
- The Chelsea Physic Garden Florilegium Society, by creating botanical illustrations, is extending its influence beyond the garden, using images of plant species for products and raising funds, connecting the legacy of botanical art with fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden industries.
- As the CPGFS continues to grow, it reflects the diverse interests of its members, with some like Margaret King being part of the fashion industry, demonstrating that botanical art, a vital aspect of the garden's history, can intersect with different art forms like fashion-and-beauty.
