Explore the fascinating history of the Chatsworth orchid collection in this 45-minute talk with Chatsworth’s Garden Plant Collection and Learning Manager Faye Tuffrey. The journey begins with the 6th Duke of Devonshire, whose collaboration with Head Gardener Joseph Paxton laid the foundation for what would become one of the finest collections of the 19th century. We will explore the phenomenon of “orchidmania,” a craze that swept through Victorian Britain, and how the Duke’s passion for orchids contributed to this craze.

Faye will look into the impact of the First World War on the orchid collection and its subsequent revival, Chatsworth’s participation in RHS Shows, and share future plans for the conservation of this historic collection.

For full event information, visit the Chatsworth website here.