About this Event
Join RHS Libraries as we delve a little deeper into our collections with our programme of study days.
This event is a repeat of the sold out Lindley Learn session in November 2025.
In this session hosted by garden historian Dr Francesca Murray, we will chart the rise and intersection between professional and amateur gardening in Victorian Britain, with the help of the collections of the RHS Lindley Library.
From Repton to Paxton and Hibberd, take a look at the prominent figures of this period who helped to shape British gardening today. Starting with the Great Exhibition in 1851, we will uncover the importance of flower shows, the emergence of gardening careers, and the establishment of the RHS and related learned institutions.
It will be made up of a lecture by Francesca, followed by a tour of selected works from the RHS Lindley Library collections. This will include books by Humphrey Repton, Adveno Brooke, Jane Loudon and our Periodicals Collection.
There will be regular breaks and light refreshments will be served, plus the opportunity to ask questions throughout the session.
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Speaker
Francesca Murray - Francesca studied horticulture and garden design at Berkshire Agriculture College before running her own garden design business. Francesca has an MA in Garden History and a PhD from Queen Mary’s University of London, where she researched nineteenth-century gardeners and nurserymen. She is a trustee of the Gardens Trust and speaker for Perennial.
RHS Lindley Library - Our beautiful library in central London holds world-renowned collections of rare and modern books, botanical art, photography and archives. Our events explore unexpected perspectives on horticulture with a unique selection of collections tours, talks, workshops and conversations. Discover more about our library on the RHS website.
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Event Details
Tickets for this event are limited and must be purchased in advance. Tickets are £20 for RHS members and students, and £25 for non-members. The ticket cost supports the RHS Lindley Library.
The RHS Lindley Library is closed to the public on Mondays. Doors will open to ticket holders of the event at 1.15pm. This event will take place between the Library and the Council Chamber.
Please note that due to the nature of the Edwardian building, it is necessary for participants of the event to be able to independently manage stairs.
RHS Libraries events explore unexpected perspectives on horticulture with a unique selection of collections tours, talks, workshops and conversations. Discover our programme of online and in person events on EventBrite.
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Contact
For any questions, including accessibility enquiries, please email [email protected]
Discover more about the RHS Lindley Library via our website, social media and new Digital Collections.
The image in the banner is a chromolithograph of 'The Alhambra Garden' at Elvaston Castle from E. Adveno Brooke, The Gardens of England, 1856-7. RHS Lindley Collections: Find more inspiration with the RHS Digital Collections.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
RHS Lindley Library, 80 Vincent Square, London, United Kingdom
GBP 20.00 to GBP 25.00
