The Hidden East India Company series – Kew and the India Museum – 20th May 2011

There are a few places left for those Indiaphiles also interested in the Kew Gardens and botany.

Kew and the India Museum is a unique day out at the world famous Kew Gardens.  It draws on the work of Ray Desmond, former Chief Librarian and Archivist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, to take a look at the relationship between Kew and India and particularly its acquisitions from the EIC’s India Museum.  Researched and presented by Leila Redpath on behalf of Jeevika Trust, the proceeds of the day will go towards sustaining village livelihood in India today.

Meet at the Victoria Gate of Kew Gardens for a 9.15am start, beginning with an outdoor introduction to the day, followed by a private India-themed tour with commentaries on the Kew Explorer train through the gardens.  Stroll through the famous Rhododendron Dell in bloom and consider how Rhododendrons were brought to Kew from India in the early 1850s.

We will then be greeted by Dr Mark Nesbitt, Head of Economic Botany for a look at India-related economic botany via objects and artefacts from the EIC’s India Museum, from Indigo dye to lacquer boxes.  He will then invite us to go behind-the-scenes into the fascinating rolling store rooms at Kew with wonderful and surprising India-related objects whose stories he will share.

After free time for lunch and a stroll, we will have an exclusive visit within the Kew Library complex to see exquisite original botanical drawings from India, by the likes of W H Fitch and Sir William Hooker.

And finally we enjoy fine tea and a sociable end to the day in good company. Meet with Andrew Redpath, Executive Director of Jeevika Trust and learn more about the Trust ‘s work in village India.

We hope you will join us.

To book a place please click here to go to the Jeevika Trust website and booking page.

Visit www.jeevika.org.uk for details of other events.