What do we really know about the plants and flowers in our gardens, planters or window boxes? There is much to learn.
Beyond their notable beauty and fragrance lie hidden histories and herstories– tales of love, addiction, risk and daring, exploration, obsession, even greed. An exhibition at the Ashmolean in Oxford reveals how the pursuit of particular plants has literally transformed landscapes, personal and global economies, and aspects of culture. Brilliantly conceived and curated, the exhibition reveals the fascinating stories behind some of Britain’s most beloved blooms from fragrant roses and upright tulips to canny camellias and the over-the-top showy petals of peonies. Featuring over 100 artworks and objects (including drawings, paintings, rare prints, and ceramics) In Bloom explores the keen eye and spirit within most of us that inspire us truly to welcome the procession of colourful buds and blooms in our surroundings. Nicholas Friend’s daughter Kate Friend, who a leading photographer of flowers with a particular interest in their colours and cultural history, with five works on view in this fascinating exhibition. Please join us for an unusual day of celebration of the new season! Please join us for a day of celebration of the much anticipated new season!
ANNOTATED SCHEDULE
Those coming by train should take the 09.23 from Paddington arriving Oxford Rail Station at 10.19
Nicholas Friend will meet the train and escort you to the Ashmolean restaurant for coffee. If you travel by car, bicycle or roller skates, please join us in the Ashmolean café at 10.45.
After lunch just opposite the Ashmolean in the Randolph Hotel’s Alice Restaurant, we cross the road to St John’s College for a private visit to see the floriated illuminated manuscripts in the College Library before a visit to St John’s glorious gardens taking in the College’s distinguished architecture as we stroll.
At the end of the day, tea may be taken in the Randolph**
Nicholas will do an abbreviated architectural walk back to the station with those leaving by train, and/or he will order taxis for those in a hurry!
**optional
ABBREVIATED SCHEDULE
09.23 Train leaves Paddington
10.19 Arrives Oxford
Meet Nicholas Friend at Oxford Station and walk to or taxi to the Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant for coffee
11.30 Visit Exhibition ‘In Bloom: How Plants Changed Our World’
1.00 Lunch in Randolph Hotel just opposite Ashmolean
2.45 Walk to St John’s College for architecture and garden walk.
16.30 Optional tea in Randolph Hotel
17.00 Walk with Nicholas Friend or Taxi to Oxford Rail Station
17.30 Train departs
18.30 Arrive Paddington
Cost: £148 including coffee, entry to exhibition, lunch in Alice Restaurant and donation to St John’s College Library. Tea at the close of our day is optional.
We regret that we must limit participation to 12. We will be visiting other noteworthy garden collections in the months ahead.
Booking Information:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
This study day ‘Oxford in Bloom’ has been developed by Louise Friend and will be presented by Nicholas Friend. Cheques are not a viable option at this time. Instead, please make your payment to Friend&Friend Ltd by bank transfer to our account with Metrobank, bank sort code 23-05-80, account number 13291721 or via PayPal to nicholas@inscapetours.co.uk, or credit/debit card by phone to Henrietta on 07940 719 397. She is available Tuesdays 2-5 pm or Thursdays 2-5 pm.
How to Set Up a PayPal account::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Click on this link: https://www.paypal.com/uk/home
In the upper right-hand corner of the screen, click “Sign up.”
On the following screen choose “Personal account” and click “Next.”
On the next page, you’ll be asked to enter your name, email address and to create and confirm a password. When finished, click “Next.”
Click “Agree and create account” and your PayPal account will be created.
How to Connect your Bank Account to your PayPal account:::::::::::::::::::::::
Log on to your account and click the “Wallet” option in the menu bar running along the top of the screen.
On the menu running down the left side of the screen, click the “Link a credit or debit card”.
Enter the card information you wish to link to your PayPal account and click “Link card” for debit card.
How to Send Money::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Log on to your account. Click Send & Request.
Enter the email address of the person you wish to send money to: nicholas@inscapetours.co.uk
Type in the amount you wish to send, click continue then press ‘Send Money Now’.
INSCAPE CULTURAL STUDY SOCIETY 