In her acclaimed book, Palace of Palms – Tropical Dreams and the Making of Kew, now out in paperback, cultural historian Kate Teltscher tells the human story of the iconic Palm House at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the men who conceived, realised and maintained it. Chaired by David Shreeve, director of The Conservation Foundation.
This session is a special collaboration with the Chiswick Flower Market, which is celebrating its first anniversary with a weekend of special events. Come to the talk on Saturday September 4th, then visit the market on Sunday 5th.
Chiswick has a venerable gardening heritage:
John Lindley, who supervised the Horticultural Society gardens at Chiswick: Joseph Paxton, who designed the Crystal Palace for the Great Exhibition of 1851; and the 6th Duke of Devonshire all feature in Palace of Palms. The politicking and financial wrangles, domestic tragedies and epic plant hunting expeditions make fascinating reading.
12 Noon: Saturday September 4th, Boston Room, George IV, £8
(Ticket income will be shared 50-50 between the Book Festival charities and the Chiswick Flower Market CIC, a community interest company)