Apothecaries, Plants and People
Chelsea Physic Garden, London.
Apothecaries, Plants and People: A potted history of the Apothecaries and the Chelsea Physic Garden
In this full-day event, discover the collections and archives related to the Chelsea Physic Garden, London’s oldest botanic garden founded by the Society of Apothecaries in 1673.
You will spend a morning at Apothecaries' Hall in Blackfriars, the oldest extant Livery Hall in the City of London. Attendees will engage with displays and short talks on botanical illustrations, herbals and manuscripts and learn more about the people and plants that link the two organisations. Participants will also enjoy a lecture led by Medical Herbalist, Frances Watkins, which draws on the history and collections of the Chelsea Physic Garden and the Apothecaries.
The morning session will include refreshments and time for discussion before participants travel to the Chelsea Physic Garden where a hot lunch (included in the fee) is provided. Travel between the locations is not included but information will be provided on public transport options.
The afternoon session will include a specialised tour of the Chelsea Physic Garden connected to the archival material you explored at Apothecaries’ Hall. This will be followed by a lecture led by Eve Barro, former Assistant Project Curator for the 350 Defining Plants Project which ran during the Garden's 350th anniversary in 2023. Eve will guide you through some of the defining plants and archives of Chelsea Physic Garden, offering a unique opportunity to view rarely shown items, including editions of Philip Miller’s The Gardener’s Dictionary.
Early bird rate until Friday 28 February £130
Full rate £140
More information about Apothecaries, Plants and People tickets
Please note:
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must remain under close supervision as there is deep water and numerous poisonous plants.
Registered support dogs are welcome in the Garden, no other pets are allowed.
Unfortunately we cannot look after your luggage and we don't have any cloakroom facilities at the Garden.
There are a couple of council bike racks on Royal Hospital Road, unfortunately we do not have racks in the Garden due to lack of space and we can't look after your bicycle for you.
Concessionary rates are available for groups of 10+. Please visit our Groups page.
Tickets are only valid for the dates and times shown.
For any queries regarding your advance booking, contact us by visiting the Customer Service area.