Picture Library

The Picture Library holds some 22,000 original botanical illustrations and a number of portraits of eminent figures from the horticultural world. In addition to these there are some paintings of garden scenes and an extensive historic collection of photographs from the Chelsea Flower Show and London Flower Shows.

Much of the drawings collection has been made up of donations and bequests, with the Library also purchasing or commissioning new works on an annual basis. The earliest drawings date to the early 17th century with an album of plant portraits painted by Dutch artist Pieter van Kouwenhoorn.

The drawings collection in the Picture Library is available to be viewed by members of the public as well as RHS members, free of charge.

The Picture Library is located next to the Lower Reading Room in the Lindley Library, London. The collection is housed in controlled conditions, in a room specially designed for the drawings.

Enquiries can be made by phone, fax, e-mail or in person. Please note that the collection is not yet catalogued, so the more notice you can give for your enquiry the better. Transparencies of most of the drawings collection and illustrations from early books are available to borrow. Some of the original drawings have been scanned or photographed to create digital files. It is our intention to fully catalogue and digitise the drawings collection, but it may be some time before this is available.

Exhibition of botanical art at RHS Shows

A very high standard of work is sought and met at the exhibitions of botanical illustration. Emphasis is placed primarily on botanical accuracy with aesthetic appeal.

Twenty exhibitors, either individual artists or group exhibitors are allocated space at each show. Exhibits must comprise of a minimum of eight pieces of art presented on a theme. Each exhibit is judged by the Picture Committee, and awards are given accordingly.

Collections and recent acquisitions

The Lindley Library holds some 22,000 original botanical illustrations and a number of portraits of eminent figures from the horticultural world. In addition to these there are some paintings of garden scenes and an extensive historic collection of photographs from the Chelsea Flower Show and RHS London Shows.

Commercial Use

The RHS Lindley Library, Picture Library is a member of BAPLA. The collection is used by commercial organisations as well as individual researchers. For information on commercial rates and terms of business please contact the Picture Librarian .

Through RHS Enterprises, the Licensing Department works with market leaders in merchandising using material from the Picture Library to create new products. For more information click here or e-mail the Licensing Department .

Contact:
Picture Librarian: Lucy Waitt 

Telephone: 020 7821 3051
Fax: 020 7828 3022
E-mail: picturelibrary@rhs.org.uk

Opening hours: By appointment only, Monday to Friday 10am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays).