There are already some ‘standout’ women’s names associated with the Gardens here, and many more who should, and could, be celebrated more!
Today we’re celebrating two particular women; Edith Holden and Anna Atkins.
Edith Holden 1871 – 1920 , was born in Birmingham and is best known as an illustrator of the natural world. Although having a modicum of success in her 
lifetime, her star rose much higher in the 1970s and 80s with the re-publication of her charming and accomplished nature notebooks. The books including Nature Notes and the Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady sold in their thousands. The notebooks chronical her walks and cycling trips around Birmingham, Solihull and Warwickshire. We think they’re all worth looking at again.
On Saturday 5th April we will be doing just that.
Join us for a whole day remembering and rediscovering her work starting with an introduction by enthusiast Rachel SmithChopra. It’s not only listening but also doing! In keeping with our habit in Gardens, it’s a day of practical creation too.
Be inspired by the nature around us in the Gardens and take up a pencil, crayon or brush… all materials supplied… or bring your own.
On Saturday 5th April, we’ll also be exploring and celebrating Anna Atkins 1799 – 1871.
Although not local, Atkins was a pioneer botanist and photographer. She produced what is known as the first photographic illustrated book, Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, in 1843. Atkins was a talented illustrator but wanted to find a more accurate way to depict the structure of a plant.
Her passion for botany along with the discovery of cyanotypes meant that over the span of 10 years she was able to create 3 volumes of work, representing a key step in the history of scientific illustration.
Visitors on 5th April will also have the opportunity to make cyanotypes (‘sun printing’) with local artist Jake Lever, who has been experimenting with this technique.
See here for more about the day
And those other women connected with the Gardens?
Many, many of them!
Including all the volunteers and staff (80% women!) who keep the Gardens going and do such a good job of welcoming visitors. All the gardeners, historians, rangers, café, events, marketing , admin and office piskies, faeries and genii weaving the magic.
And here are three more names…all powerful women who have been key to the Gardens.
Lady Ida Bridgeman, Countess of Bradford (‘Lady Brad’),1848-1936, the last family resident of the Hall, who made sure the Gardens were used and not lost.
Lady Mary Bridgeman (1641- 1713), who probably had more influence over the development of the Gardens than is usually credited… a great subject for a PhD researcher.
Anne Kenrick MBE (1923 – 2020), first Chairman of the Gardens Trust and force of, and for, nature.
