Dutch Flowers

As the first flowers begin to blossom in spring, this free exhibition celebrates Dutch flowers in the collection.

Coinciding with the flower shows at Chelsea and Hampton Court, the exhibition explores Dutch flower painting from its beginnings in the early 17th century to its peak in the late 18th century, and is the first display of its kind in 20 years.

'Dutch Flowers' presents an overview of the leading artists in the field, such as Ambrosius Bosschaert the Elder, Jan van Huysum, and Rachel Ruysch, providing a chance to admire their stylistic and technical characteristics, and the exquisite details of their paintings.

Featuring works from the collection alongside long-term loans, the exhibition also draws connections between the development of flower painting in the Netherlands to increased interest in botany, horticulture, and the phenomenon of ‘tulip mania’ in the Dutch Golden Age.