The morning was spent wandering around the beautiful gardens, glasshouses and current exhibitions at Kew, followed by an afternoon tour of Kew’s Economic Botany Collection lead by Dr Mark Nesbitt . Kew holds an incredible archive of plant fibres, plant dyes and beautiful examples of garments and textile artefacts made from various plant fibres from all around the world. This incredible collection, supported by Dr Nesbitt’s animated enthusiasm and in-depth knowledge of each specimen, made for a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
Inside the archive, and looking at a jar of Idigo plant dye.
The archive is open to researchers and groups by appointment , if you do get the opportunity to go, we would highly recommend it!
