The Caged Bird’s Song tapestry evokes the myths and magic of tropical plant life. Join Greg Kenicer, botanist and lecturer at the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, to explore how and why plants have been used in magic over centuries.
Combining botanical insight with historical examples and anecdote, Dr Kenicer explores patterns of plant use across a wide array of west-Eurasian magical traditions. We’ll look at the many cultural roles plants have played in explaining the unexplained, and in gaining power over fate, the elements and indeed other people through supernatural folk-botany. We’ll also consider the botanical rationale behind these uses – how the evolution and chemistry of these incredible organisms can become magical.
And as a curtain raiser before Greg’s talk you’ll be welcomed with an Edinburgh Botanics Gin and tonic by Edinburgh Gin’s Brand Ambassador Philip Kingscott. He’ll talk about the distillery’s special partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and The Botanics Gin that they developed with Greg that celebrates some of the gardens own magical plants..
The event is followed by a special book signing of Plant Magic by Greg Kenicer and includes entry to the exhibition Chris Ofili: The Caged Bird’s Song from 17:30 to 18:00.
- 17:30 – Exhibition viewing
- 18:00 – Talk
- 18:45 – Q&A Book signing
Tickets £15
Every ticket sold supports the work of The Dovecot Foundation to advance visual art, craft and design in all its forms.
Please note that tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable and may not be exchanged.
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