Martin Rix, editor of Curtis’ Botanical Magazine, officiated at the opening of the Plandaí Oidhreachta – Irish Heritage Plants exhibition of works by the members of the Irish Society of Botanical Artists and the launch of the associated book at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, on Saturday, 12th November. There was an exceptionally good attendance with members of the ISBA and IGPS enjoying the occasion very much.

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The exhibition by members of the ISBA. Photograph from Bernard Van Giessen

The exhibition hall was open from eleven which allowed plenty of time for leisurely viewing, time to meet and chat with the artists and to browse the book and exhibition catalogue. The official opening was at midday when Brendan Sayers introduced Jane Stark, Chairperson  ISBA, Billy McCone, Chairperson IGPS, and Martin Rix who was very complimentary of the whole project and especially so of the work of the artists.

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Martin Rix launches the book: Plandai Oidhreachta – Irish Heritage Plants. Photograph from Bernard Van Giessen
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Brendan Sayers, Lynn Stringer, Jane Stark and Martin Rix. Photograph from Bernard Van Giessen
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Paddy Tobin, Stephen Butler, Jane Stark and Martin Rix. Photograph from Bernard Van Giessen

 

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IGPS group at the launch: Billy McCone, Chairperson, Yvonne Penpraze, Ricky Shannon, Stephen Butler, Maeve Bell and Paddy Tobin. Photograph from Bernard Van Giessen

The exhibition continues until the 4th of December and the book will be on sale at the reduced price of 25Euro – the price will be 30Euro.

There are two follow-up events: Saturday,  19th has a talk on Irish Heritage Plants with some of the plant breeders attending and Saturday, 26th will have demonstrations by members of the ISBA. Both events are open to the public and are free of charge.

All photographs in this report are courtesy of Bernard van Giessen