A gardening book strongly believed to have influenced the famous potions in William Shakespeare’s celebrated plays has gone on display at Leeds Central Library.
The historical volume is a central feature of a new exhibition titled ‘Unearthed: The Power of Gardening,’ which showcases a variety of illustrated manuals and guides dating back over five centuries.
Among the notable texts is ‘The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes,’ a book written by the Elizabethan herbalist John Gerard.
This particular illustrated guide is thought to have inspired Shakespeare when he devised the concoctions for key scenes in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ The free exhibition, which is scheduled to run until October 29, explores the deep connection between gardening and culture, featuring manuals detailing the best methods for growing colourful flowers, herb patches, and various fruits and vegetables.
Antony Ramm, the special collections librarian at Leeds Central Library, commented that gardening possesses the power to both bring people together and actively ‘shape the world around them.’ He described gardening as one of the ‘rare and wonderful common threads through history which has inspired so much dedication, passion and joy.’ Ramm noted that the centuries of accumulated wisdom on display captures the impulse that generations of gardeners have had to pass on their knowledge and encourage others to create beautiful gardens.
Another key exhibit is ‘Batty Langley’s New Principles of Gardening’ from 1728, which includes instructions and diagrams for designing geometric gardens.
The library is also hoping to use public donations collected during the exhibition to fund the restoration of Langley’s 300-year-old guide.
The exhibition also includes a multimedia installation, ‘The Speaking Garden,’ inspired by the library’s collection and local Leeds gardeners.
The historical volume is a central feature of a new exhibition titled ‘Unearthed: The Power of Gardening,’ which showcases a variety of illustrated manuals and guides dating back over five centuries.
Among the notable texts is ‘The Herball or Generall Historie of Plantes,’ a book written by the Elizabethan herbalist John Gerard.
This particular illustrated guide is thought to have inspired Shakespeare when he devised the concoctions for key scenes in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ The free exhibition, which is scheduled to run until October 29, explores the deep connection between gardening and culture, featuring manuals detailing the best methods for growing colourful flowers, herb patches, and various fruits and vegetables.
Antony Ramm, the special collections librarian at Leeds Central Library, commented that gardening possesses the power to both bring people together and actively ‘shape the world around them.’ He described gardening as one of the ‘rare and wonderful common threads through history which has inspired so much dedication, passion and joy.’ Ramm noted that the centuries of accumulated wisdom on display captures the impulse that generations of gardeners have had to pass on their knowledge and encourage others to create beautiful gardens.
Another key exhibit is ‘Batty Langley’s New Principles of Gardening’ from 1728, which includes instructions and diagrams for designing geometric gardens.
The library is also hoping to use public donations collected during the exhibition to fund the restoration of Langley’s 300-year-old guide.
The exhibition also includes a multimedia installation, ‘The Speaking Garden,’ inspired by the library’s collection and local Leeds gardeners.