Press Release
In Search of Paradise - Kew's ninth orchid festival reveals daring tales
of Victorian exploration
For release: Friday 10 January 2003
In association with Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruises
Supported by Singapore Botanic Gardens and Singapore Airlines
15 February to 16 March 2003
- Half a million orchids on display in a tropical paradise
- Exhibition of Victorian orchid hunters - illustrations, letters and
paintings
- Orchid evening events and Orangery dining package
- Behind the scenes tours
- Day courses and lectures
Of all the plants which fired the imagination of Victoria society, perhaps
the most exciting and dramatic were the orchids. Alongside the allure
of the exotic, sensuous flowers were the daring tales of botanical expeditions
which went with them. These told of exquisite orchid discoveries in dangerous
locations, bravery and bravado in their acquisition.
In Search of Paradise, Kew’s ninth orchid festival is inspired
by the adventurous world of the Victorian plant hunters. The Princess
of Wales Conservatory becomes a steamy orchid paradise. Half a million
flowers embellish every space, hanging from trees, grouped around rock
pools, brilliant amid the tropical foliage. A special exhibition in White
Peaks brings to life the journeys of the Victorian orchid hunters with
facsimile paintings, illustrations and letters.
This year’s festival features three Orchid Evenings, when
the Princess of Wales Conservatory transports visitors from cold winter
evenings to velvety tropical nights amid the dramatically lit orchid displays.
Visitors to the Orchid evenings can choose to continue this romantic experience
with a themed meal in the stunning Orangery restaurant, recently restored
to its 18th century splendour.
For orchid enthusiasts keen to satisfy their own obsessions, there are
free behind the scenes tours of Kew’s propagation nurseries with
staff who cultivate the plants. A special lecture - Orchids in Art
by Dr Phillip Cribb, reveals the history and stories behind some of the
exquisite illustrations and sketch books held in the collections at Kew.
For budding orchid growers, a day course enables beginners to learn techniques
that will help lead them to success.
Event Listings:
Orchid evenings
Wednesday 19 and 26 February and 5 March, 6.30-9.00pm.
Tickets must be booked in advance from Ticketmaster on 0870 1600 539.
The price is £15 and includes a glass of wine, canapes and access
to an exclusive shop selling a wide selection of orchids and orchid-related
gifts. The Orchid Festival dinner package, price £40.00 includes
an evening ticket as above, plus a two-course meal and glass of wine served
in the Orangery. The dinner package should be booked through Ticketmaster.
Behind the scenes orchid tours
Mondays and Fridays, 17, 21, 24, 28 February and 3, 7 March.
Tours start at 1.00pm from White Peaks. They last 45 minutes and are free.
Orchids in Art lecture
By Dr Phillip Cribb. Tuesday 4 March, 7.00pm in the Jodrell Lecture Theatre.
Tickets are £4.00 (£3.00 concessions) and can be booked
on 020 8332 5626 or emailing adult@rbgkew.org
Orchids for beginners day course
Tuesday 18 February and Thursday 6 March from 10.15am - 4.00pm.
Tickets are £45.00 (£40.00 concessions) and can be booked on 020 8332 5626 or by emailing adult@rbgkew.org
In Search of Paradise is presented in association with Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruises and supported by Singapore Botanic Gardens and Singapore Airlines.
Kew Gardens is open daily during the festival from 9.30am - 5.30pm.. Entry is £7.50 for adults and £5.50 for concessions. Children of 16 and under are admitted free. For details about visiting, phone 020 8332 5655 or check out Kew’s website at www.kew.org. Kew Gardens is just 25 minutes from Charing Cross by District line tube and 20 minutes by overland train from Waterloo. Free parking is available on Kew Road and Kew Green after 10am.
For further media information and photographs, contact Hannah Rogers or Claire Hyde on 020 8332 5607/5619 (not for publication.) Images can also be downloaded from www.papicselect.com
For further Press information please contact:
|
Kew: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)20 8332 5607/5619 |
Wakehurst Place: Public Relations Tel: +44 (0)1444 894018 |
