Drawn From Nature: Orchids in Bloom

11 March - 3 May 2025

Discover the beauty of part of our botanical art collection, featuring exquisite watercolours of orchids from the 1930s by Walter Pearce. This stunning exhibition primarily highlights the delicate flora of southern England, showcasing the artist's masterful attention to detail.

The watercolours are an invaluable source for biodiversity research and conservation, providing insights into various orchid species. They serve as a testament to the impact of human land use and climate change on the survival of these beautiful flowers.

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this captivating display of botanical artistry.

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4.30pm

^{Purple Orchid - As the name suggests, the early purple orchid is one of the first orchid species to bloom, flowering from late-April. One of the more ommon species in the British Isles, often found scattered among carpets of bluebells in our woodlands and copses. It was first recorded by William Turner nearly half a millennia ago in 1562 - a time when Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne and William Shakespeare had yet to be born.}