What did a 17th-century queen know about daffodils in Africa? How did books (and gardens) shape the world for women who couldn’t travel? What flowers did they grow? How were flowers part of empire?
This event is presented in collaboration with York Festival of Ideas 2025.
In this workshop you will get a short introduction to the exhibition ‘A Queen's Book of Flowers’ on display in the garden for the month of June and learn how to print your very own botanical bookmark. You will select one of our seventeenth-century sensory phrases to accompany the lifelike plant prints you will create using our etching press.
If you wish to bring some plants from your own garden to add a personal touch to your designs you are welcome to do so. Note that flat leaves will create the best prints.
The workshop will be led by Susannah Lyon-Whaley and is part of the York Festival of Ideas. It is free to attend. Booking is essential. Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult.
No experience is necessary: we will provide equipment, step-by-step instructions and support. Please arrive five minutes before the scheduled start time of your workshop.
You may also enjoy an outdoor exhibition running throughout the Festival.