Lindley Late - Collections Uncovered: Botanical Art and Lilian Snelling

Celebrate one of the greatest botanical artists of the 20th century with art curator Charlotte Brooks and botanical artist Deborah Lambkin

About this Event

Discover the beautiful watercolours of 20th century botanical artist Lilian Snelling held in our collections, in this conversation at the RHS Lindley Library!

Join botanical artist Deborah Lambkin and art curator Charlotte Brooks as we shine a light on our botanical art collection and the legacy of Lilian Snelling VMH (1879-1972).

In this conversation we will be celebrating Miss Snelling, often considered ‘The greatest botanical artist of her time and among the greatest of all time' (Dr Henry Noltie, 2020).

Taking a close look at the beautiful, original watercolours preserved in our library collections, we will unpack Miss Snelling's artistic career and legacy.

We'll explore her 30 years working as the principal artist and lithographer to Curtis's Botanical Magazine, with insight from contemporary contributor, Deborah Lambkin.

Plus, Deborah will be sharing her insight into the creative process of a botanical artist and her work within the RHS collections.

There will be plenty of time to ask questions, plus join us for a drinks reception after the conversation where you can explore the RHS Lindley Library’s collection.

RHS membership not required. Additional tickets will be available on the door.

Discover more botanical art with the RHS Botanical Art and Photography Show 2025, taking place at the Saatchi Gallery between 13 June – 27 July 2025.

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Guest Speaker

Deborah Lambkin - Deborah is an RHS Gold Medal winning botanical artist. Since 2005 Deborah has been the official orchid portrait artist of the RHS, and currently sits on the Botanical Art Judging Panel, awarding medals to contemporary botanical artists exhibiting at the annual RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show. She is also a regular contributor to Curtis's Botanical Magazine. Discover more of Deborah's work on her Instagram @deborahlambkin
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Event Details

Doors open at 6.00pm, with the event beginning at 6.30pm.

To keep the event as accessible as possible you can choose a full price ticket (£8) or you can make a donation of an amount affordable to you with our Pay What You Can tickets.

Make sure to check out our lunchtime show and tells, Lindley Live, and our evening event programme, Lindley Late, as we take an unexpected perspective on horticulture with a unique selection of talks, workshops and conversations.

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Contact

For any questions, including accessibility enquiries, please email bGlicmFyeSB8IHJocyAhIG9yZyAhIHVr

Discover more about the RHS Lindley Library via our website, social media and new Digital Collections.

The image in the banner is Iris unguicularis by Lillian Snelling, dated 4 March 1952. Lilian Snelling / RHS Lindley Collections. Discover the RHS Botanical Art and Photography Show 2025.

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