A new gallery opening at Winterbourne Botanic Garden – is to celebrate the beauty of the natural world through art in its inaugural exhibition.

The Coach House Gallery is a new addition to University of Birmingham’s Botanic Garden at Winterbourne. The first exhibition, which runs until the 27th of June, features images of the rich diversity of plants housed in the garden, created by the Birmingham Society of Botanical Artists.

This will be followed by Detail in Flower (1 July – 26 September) an exhibition showcasing the work of Midlands based photographer Jo Gooding, who’s images explore the detailed colours and textures of plant life through photography.

Winterbourne Botanic Garden is a beautiful Arts and Crafts style garden with colour themed borders, a walled garden housing an extensive rose collection and six acres of colour throughout the year.

The Garden’s curator Alison Darby comments: “We are delighted to have the new gallery to showcase the work of the artists who use the garden and are inspired by our collections.

In our first season our exhibitions are focussed on plants in art, but in the future the exhibitions we will be hosting in the gallery will show a real variety of styles and subject matter which means there will be shows that everyone can enjoy.”

Jeni Neale, Chairman  of the Birmingham Society of Botanical Artists comments “The garden at Winterbourne has been the Society’s base since 1999 and is a gem in the heart of the City.

Birmingham not only has a rich heritage of botanical discovery, innovation and appreciation but also a strong and lively arts scene. The opening of the new gallery is a fantastic venue to showcase the work of the Society.”

A leaflet highlighting the attractions of the gardens and upcoming events is available by telephoning 0121 414 3832.

Winterbourne Botanic Garden at the University of Birmingham is located at 58 Edgbaston Park Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2RT.  Opening times are Sunday to Friday 11-4 , plus weekend events. Entry to the gallery is free and admission to the garden costs £3 for adults, 5-16’s £1.50 and under 5’s are free. 

Ends

For further media information please contact Ben Hill, Press Officer at the University of Birmingham on 0121 414 5134 or mobile 07789 921163

Notes to Editors

Images from both upcoming exhibitions are available on request