The Herbalist’s Press – A Garden by Fleet Street Quarter
The Herbalist’s Press © Luke O’Donovan
Wayward’s design took inspiration from John Gerard, an English herbalist with a prominent garden in Holborn (approximately where Fetter Lane is now), in the creation of their ‘Herbalist’s Garden’. The design also takes its cue from the 15th and 16th century printing presses, the first in the UK, that found their home in Holborn, Fleet Street and around the Old Bailey. John Gerard also created and printed his Generall Historie of Plantes, in this area and each of the benches in the installation is decorated with a laser cut print taken from Gerard’s Herbal.
The Herbalist’s Press © Luke O’Donovan
The planting itself is taken from records of the original garden of John Gerard and his Catalogus of Plantes. The focus of the planting is on evergreen, scented and medicinal plants. Installed on the busy site at Holborn Circus, this new urban garden has created a cool and peaceful space for rest in the midst of the busy City.
The Herbalist’s Press © Luke O’Donovan
Afterlife
The Herbalist’s Plant Press is being given another life in the City, where it will be rehomed at a new location within the BID’s footprint.
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