The research for
Gardeners, Plant Collectors, Friends
Come along to hear author Ann Cripps in conversation with Kate Warner about the research she undertook for her recent book, Gardeners, Plant Collectors, Friends: Hobart Town and Beyond. Not only did early colonists bring European species to the colony of Van Diemen’s Land, they also sent endemic Tasmanian plants to collectors overseas. As you follow Ann’s research you will meet Quakers, botanists, doctors, horticulturalists and nurserymen who were instrumental in bringing Tasmania’s flora to the wider world.
While Ann’s research took her far afield, many of her discoveries came from detailed studies of documents in the Royal Society of Tasmania’s Special Collections, housed at UTAS, and from items in the TMAG collection.
As a special treat, you will be able to view an exquisite table cover embroidered with Tasmanian plants created by early settler Catherine Mitchell. Catherine is just one of the many creative women whose works feature in Ann’s book. Our thanks to Peter Hughes, TMAG’s Senior Curator of Decorative Arts, for a rare opportunity to see this beautiful and fragile work.
Members (Friends TMAG and Royal Society of Tasmania) $20, Non members $30, includes refreshments.
NOTE regarding online bookings: Attendees sometimes report difficulties booking as a member or member couple. You need to log in before making the booking and then those options will be available to you. And as an added bonus, you then won't need to answer pesky questions about whether you are a robot.
Image above: Pelargoniums from Frederick Mackie’s 1870s sketchbook (Private collection)
Images below: Table cover, Catherine Augusta Mitchell (166cm x 169cm) (TMAG, P2008.15)
