London for Fun

Museum of Garden History

Exhibitions currently running:

Chronology - The Museum's Chronology board in the south aisle charts the development of gardening from pre-historic times through to the modern day, highlighting the trends and styles of various ages with artefacts displayed including a neolithic axe dating from 4,000 BC, a Tudor Thumb Pot, and an 18th century Watering Can. Permanent.

Plant Hunters - This permanent exhibition explore the lives of the famous Plant Hunters with an in-depth look at the following: the John Tradescants, Ernest Wilson, William Dampier, Frank Kingdon Ward, Joseph Banks, David Douglas, George Forrest and Francis Masson. Artefacts and methods of transportation are on display including examples of Wardian Cases. There is also a panel devoted to the discovery and tale of the Vegetable Lamb. Permanent.

Local History Exhibition - The neighbourhoods of Lambeth have a rich industrial, cultural and horticultural heritage. This legacy, buried under the weight of new builds, new communities and new working conditions, is re-visited by the Museum’s new permanent display dedicated to Local History. Working in partnership with Lambeth Archives, the Minet Library, various community groups and local individuals, a combination of audio, visual and artistic devices have been employed to interpret the rich and varied history of the area over the last 1,000 years. A specially-commissioned wall painting illustrating key local, national and international events by London-born artist, Gerry Smith is also included. Permanent.

Museum of Garden History

About the Museum of Garden History:

The world's first Museum of Garden History is housed in the restored church of St Mary-at-Lambeth, adjacent to Lambeth Palace in London. In the grounds are the tombs of the John Tradescants, father and son who were gardeners to Charles I and II, enthusiastic collectors or 'rareities and curiosities' and adventurous plant hunters. The tomb of Captain William Bligh of the Bounty can also be seen.

The Museum's permanent collection encompasses one of the country's largest collections of historic garden tools, artefacts and curiosities as well as an expanding library of books. Alongside the Museum is a replica 17th Century knot garden, designed by the Dowager Marchioness of Salisbury. It is a peaceful haven full of plants that can be traced back to that period. The Museum hosts and provides a venue for corporate and private entertaining. It is an independent charity and receives no Government funding.

When the Museum was founded in 1977, the building was a near ruin. In 2002, the Museum celebrated its 25th Anniversary and launched a Development Appeal to raise funds to ensure the Museum's place as a world-class centre of excellence. The Museum's Appeal is endorsed by its patron, HRH The Prince of Wales.

Readers wishing to book tickets for events should call 020 7401 8865

How to get to the Museum:
Buses - To Lambeth Road C10, 3 & 344
To Lambeth Palace Road 77 & 507 (507 - Mon-Fri only)
Underground - Lambeth North or Westminster
Train - Waterloo or Victoria, then bus.

Museum of Garden History, Lambeth Palace Road, London SE1 7LB.

For more details please visit www.museumgardenhistory.org

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