A History of RBG Kew's Seed Work
(page 5 )
1997 - The Wellcome Trust announces substantial donation to the MSB Project. Reception hosted by HRH The Prince of Wales at St. James's Palace on behalf of the Project.
Professor Sir Ghillean Prance and Roger Smith receive a donation of seeds from President Zedillo of Mexico.
UK Flora Programme of the Project starts.
1998 - Construction of the Wellcome Trust Millennium Building starts.
1999 - The Seed Conservation Department under Roger Smith is established to manage the Project.
Prof Sir Ghillean Prance, Director of RBG Kew and a key player in the establishment of the Project, retires.