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A botanical Easter art show

A painting by Jennifer Gill

A painting by Jennifer Gill

A painting by Florence Maggs

A painting by Florence Maggs

A painting by Alison Procter

A painting by Alison Procter

Press release issued: 7 April 2009

Over 30 local artists will be taking part in an exhibition and sale of original botanical paintings and drawings over the Easter weekend.

Over 30 local artists will be taking part in an exhibition and sale of original botanical paintings and drawings over the Easter weekend.

The exhibition, to open the University of Bristol's Botanic Garden 2009 season, will take place from Good Friday, April 10 to Easter Monday, April 13 from 10 am to 4.30 pm.  Pictures, prints, cards and light refreshments will be on sale.

Three of the artists taking part in the four-day exhibition are Alison Procter, Jennifer Gill and Florence Maggs.

Alison has been a member of the Society of Botanical Artists since 1989 and displays her work at their yearly exhibition in London.  She works mainly in oil and takes part in the North Somerset Arts Week, as well as exhibiting in RHS Rosemoor's annual autumn show.

Jennifer Gill, a qualified art teacher specialising in illuminated manuscripts, has worked as an archaeological illustrator on books, academic journals and television graphics.  She returned to botanical illustration recently and in 2007 and 2008 took part in the University's Botanic Garden South African study tour, conducted by Nick Wray, Curator of the University's Botanic Garden.  Jennfier is making a collection of illustrations of the Fynbos vegetation.

Florence Maggs became dedicated to botanical painting in 1983 after taking a course in Bristol.  To capture the realistic depth of colour necessary for her flower, fruit and vegetable subjects, she uses a magnifying glass together with a dry brush technique.   As well as solo exhibitions, her work has been shown at the Society of Botanical Artists exhibition held in London.  In 2002 she was awarded membership of the Society. 

Members of the public will also have the opportunity to visit the Botanic Garden over the weekend from 10 am to 4.30 pm.  Its season runs continuously from the Easter weekend until the autumn.

New plantings over the winter include a new display of the Mediterranean flora of south west South Africa in the warm temperate zone glasshouse, including plants such as the bird pollinated King Protea and Cowl Pagoda Protea.

Developments outside include a new display illustrating the flora of New Zealand with many unique plants like the Lancewood with its saw-blade like leaves and new improvements to the Chinese Herb Garden.

Nick Wray said: "There are going to be some wonderful botanical paintings and drawings on display at the exhibition.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone to the garden over the Easter weekend.  There are lots of interesting plants to see, and Spring is such a great time to come and explore the garden."

 

 

Further information

The University of Bristol Botanic Garden at The Holmes will open to the public with its new 2009 programme from the Easter weekend, Friday 10 April, continuously until the autumn on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.  It will also be open on a Saturday in June, July and August, 10 am to 4.30 pm.  Admission is £3.50 adults; £1 children aged 5-16; (children under-5 free); £8 family ticket.  Entrance to the Garden is free to members of the Friends of the Botanic Garden Association and University of Bristol staff during opening hours.

Directions to The Holmes

From the city centre go to the top of Whiteladies Road, at the junction and traffic lights go straight ahead across Durdham Down towards Stoke Bishop. At the traffic lights go straight ahead and take the first turning on the right into Stoke Park Road, The Holmes is 150 m on the right.

Members of the public wishing to support the work of the Botanic Garden should join the Friends of the Garden.  For more information go to www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/BotanicGardens/friends/who.htm or write to Susan Redfern, The Membership Secretary, 24 Dublin Crescent, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4NA.

Please contact Joanne Fryer for further information.
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