To exploit the traditional methods of observing and recording plants, not only for their flowers but for their leaves, roots, perfections and imperfections.
To record and date through the seasons some of the wealth of the plant material housed at Chelsea Physic Garden.
To further general awareness of this exacting method of portraying plants and to maintain the highest standards.
To use the Society’s contacts within the botanical and horticultural world for the exchange and study of illustrated plants.
To arrange private visits to other illustrated botanical collections and to make occasional visits to similar botanical and horticultural gardens for the purpose of studying and recording their flora.
To hold regular exhibitions of the Society’s work to promote interest in the Society and in the plants of the Physic Garden.
To provide from Society members illustrated material for use as merchandise to promote the Chelsea Physic Garden.
To provide a venue where members of the Society may meet for further study, the exchange of ideas and appraisal of work.
To maintain membership of the Society of no more than 50 proven botanical artists, their work to be assessed by a panel before their acceptance.
March 1995
“The Florilegium Society seeks to promote the art of botanical painting by co-ordinating the energies and skills of a group of botanical painters, united to produce a Florilegium of a plant collection of an important garden to preserve it’s content. Whereas the Florilegia of the 17th century were created to portray the beauty and novelty of this plants brought back from expanding colonies, the modern Florilegium may be seen as conservational tool, instrumental in recording for posterity collections of plants within a chosen garden. Although the Chelsea Physic Garden has played a central role in the development of botanical painting in the UK and abroad, and possesses a unique historical collection of plants, as yet no Florilegium of its content has been produced. Satellite Florilegium Societies could develop throughout the UK, working on various approved projects.”
Anne Marie Evans, Hon, President, March 1995
“The Chelsea Physic Garden has a valuable collection of historical documents and illustrations from the early days of the garden but there appears to have been a gap in encouraging artists to contribute to building a continuing history of this botanical gem in the centre of our great city. As the Curator, with the blessing of the Trustees, is managing a renaissance in the thinking and promotion of this garden, this is indeed unique and I believe the right time to form this Society.”
Margaret King, Founder and First Chair, March 1995
