A Fabulous Exhibition in Birmingham
- ABA
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
" Looking Back For Our Future "
An exhibition focussed on and celebrating, biodiversity in the crops that have been closely associated with the human species over thousands of years.
First, the biggest thank you must go to all the artists who participated in the United Kingdom division of Botanical Art Worldwide - 2025. Without their dedication, talent and commitment, this exhibition would not have been possible. From what we hear Scotland, who hosted their own exhibition, had a very successful event so its congratulations to all the artists across the country.
Botanical Art Worldwide for the United Kingdom closed its doors on Saturday 24th May after what has been a hectic few weeks. The last of the paintings are sitting in the hall waiting to be returned to their owners. Until you have been through the actual physical process of coordinating an international exhibition it's hard to estimate the time it takes and the importance of attention to detail. Three and a half years of planning are compressed into eleven gallery days open to the public.
Our hosts, the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, provided a fabulous space to exhibit the juried exhibition and a big thanks must go to the gallery staff who made us so welcome . If you are ever in Birmingham make some time to call in as they always have stimulating exhibitions.
And, lets not forget the coordinating team who made this all possible. The Association of Botanical Artists was the lead in collaboration with members of :
A particular thanks to Jeni Neal and Moira Ashby from the Birmingham Society of Botanical Artists who, together with their fellow members, suggested the gallery, helped put the artwork on the walls, coordinated the daily demonstrators and helped pack the exhibition in record time.
And finally, lets not forget Jody Williams and Carol Woodin from the American Society of Botanical Artists who were the instigators and international coordinators for this mammoth event. A heartfelt thank you.
The Exhibition
This unique international exhibition had two stages. The first was a country specific physical exhibition staged in 32 countries. Overall a total of around 1000 individual pieces of artwork were on display. The second was the simultaneous celebration of the Worldwide Day of Botanical Art on May the 18th in each of the participating countries. Hopefully, you were able to attend your unique local exhibition.
For the United Kingdom (excluding Scotland), there was an exhaustive selection process with twenty nine artists selected to exhibit thirty four pieces of work.
The artwork was then framed and curated to present a coherent exhibition that best displayed the talent of the artists and the theme of the exhibition. In addition to the framed work, approximately 1000 digital images from all of the participating countries was displayed as a rolling slideshow. Those visitors with stamina may have stayed for the nearly three hours it took to view the work of all the exhibitors!
At this stage there are no plans by the international coordinating group to make available the complete slideshow for all the countries.
So that you can get a sense of the exhibition we have put together a simple tour. Gallery Two at the RBSA is a lovely exhibition space and well worth a visit.
Take a tour of the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Gallery
On Sunday the 18th May, we joined with the other participating countries to celebrate the Worldwide day of Botanical Art. Two of our judges agreed to present sessions talking about the entries, something you do not get that often.
Helen Allen and Martin Allen (not related) approached their description of the exhibition from different viewpoints which was at the same time entertaining, informative and educational.
As this was a challenging exhibition with strict criteria, the quote of the day was definitely " read the exam question ".
The United Kingdom Exhibition (excluding Scotland) will go online in the Association of Botanical Art Gallery early June. As promised, this will feature all of the artists who submitted work for BAWW - 2025 and who also met the majority of the criteria. This will be instead of our usual May exhibition, one of two we hold annually.
Peoples Choice
One hundred and ninety five visitors to the exhibition cast their vote for their favourite artwork and the winner was :
Carmen Lyons
Congratulations Carmen for a beautiful depiction of the hazel Corylus avellana . The composition of the piece from the mature tree to the ripened fruit, together with the scientific accuracy and artistic presentation, must have impressed the visitors. The most commented feedback was " I cannot believe this is created with coloured pencils " .
Carmen will receive a voucher donated by ABA for art materials as her prize.
Supporting Events
Three other supporting events were held across the country either as standalone exhibitions or an event celebrating the Worldwide Day of Botanical Art on May 18th.
The Nash Conservatory, Banks Hall
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - A series of talks demonstrations and displays of botanical art coordinated by one of our steering committee members, Diane Marshall. It was a great day with over 1000 visitors so thanks to the
The Pierhead
Cardiff, Wales- An exhibition of work from the Welsh Society of Botanical Illustrators together with the International Slideshow. Coordinated by Linda Joseph.
The Eden Project Florilegium Society,
Cornwall - A celebration of the Worldwide Day of Botanical Art with with artwork from the florilegium and the International slideshow. Coordinated by Jacquie Ashton.
The simultaneous nature of these events really did make the Worldwide Day of Botanical Art special and unique.
When is the next world wide exhibition - maybe another seven years!
The Exhibition Catalogue
For those of you who were unable to visit the exhibition a catalogue is available. This contains all the pieces of art in the Birmingham Exhibition together with a short biography of the artist . It is a lovely memento.
A sample of the catalogue can be seen here so if you would like a copy please contact the :
Association of Botanical Artists
And finally a big thanks must go the James and Shirley Sherwood Foundation who generously supported this exhibition. The foundations continuing support and the personal support of our Patron Dr Shirley Sherwood, really is appreciated.
Make sure you keep an eye out for the ABA online exhibition of the artwork.
Warmest wishes,