The RHS Chelsea Flower Show History Project

Saving the history of RHS Chelsea: the greatest flower show in the world 

Uncovering hidden history

The RHS is embarking on a project to fill gaps in the history of RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and how it grew from its early 20th century origins into the most prestigious horticultural event in the world today. The project team will catalogue and digitise thousands of historic photographs and archive materials relating to RHS Chelsea held by the RHS Lindley Library. The result will be a publicly accessible and searchable resource.

RHS Chelsea through time

Forgotten details of RHS Chelsea Show gardens through the years will be uncovered, offering inspiration to garden designers of the future. The project will unlock many avenues for research, including how RHS Chelsea responded to current events and the changing face of British commercial horticulture. Also the role of the media in shaping gardening habits, trends and fashions – such as the rise in interest in biodiversity and sustainability, and the wider impact of RHS Chelsea on local communities and people around the world.

More on the history of RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Learn about the history of RHS Chelsea Flower Show through our collections:

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.