Visitors can expect to see a unique collection of botanical art that celebrates the beauty of nature in exquisite scientific detail. The gallery displays items from Kew's archive of 200,000 botanical images alongside the contemporary collection of Dr. Shirley Sherwood.
The gallery has hosted almost 60 exhibitions with works by many important artists such as Margaret Mee, Rory McEwen, Rebecca Louise Law, and Chihuly. Paintings from various countries including Japan, Brazil, Spain, South Africa, the US, and Australia have also been displayed.
Botanical art dates back to the 15th century when herbals containing illustrations of flowers were printed. It has since become vital for scientific records as it can reveal more detail than a photograph. Dr. Shirley Sherwood has been collecting contemporary botanical illustrations for over 30 years to champion their scientific and aesthetic merit.
The gallery has a ramp for entry and is fully accessible by wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs are permitted, although size limitations may apply. Unfortunately, mobility scooters or buggies cannot be accommodated due to the layout of the installations within the current exhibition.
Special exhibitions such as 'Life in death' by Rebecca Louise Law in 2017 and 'David Nash at Kew: A Natural Gallery' in 2012 have been showcased at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery. New acquisitions of botanical jewelry in Kew's Economic Botany Collection also illustrate how plant parts can be transformed into cultural objects.
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