{"id":19156,"date":"2023-02-20T11:14:39","date_gmt":"2023-02-20T10:14:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/?p=101931"},"modified":"2023-02-20T12:36:56","modified_gmt":"2023-02-20T11:36:56","slug":"the-arts-crafts-house-at-wisley-opens-to-the-public","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/the-arts-crafts-house-at-wisley-opens-to-the-public\/","title":{"rendered":"The Arts & Crafts house at Wisley opens to the public"},"content":{"rendered":"

The beautiful \u2018Old Laboratory\u2019, an iconic part of RHS Garden Wisley, has been the centre of Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) science research for over a century. From 20 March it will open its doors to the public for the first time. <\/p>

By Sorrel Everton\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Monday, 20 February 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Visitors to RHS Garden Wisley, the horticultural charity\u2019s flagship garden, have long admired the large Arts & Crafts style, Grade II listed building at the entrance to the gardens. Who has been lucky enough to live there? Were the gardens once part of a grand estate? Since the house was built in 1908, the public have never been allowed in and its purpose has for many been a bit of a mystery.<\/p>\n

In fact, for over a century this has been the beating heart of RHS\u2019s key remit to learn, understand and improve horticulture. It was here that diploma<\/a> students took their classes and scientists recorded their findings.<\/p>\n

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The Advisory Room in the Old Lab at Wisley<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

In a melding of heritage and horticulture, the building is now open for the public to explore. The large house was purpose built to look like a residential home as the base for the society\u2019s science labs and student lecture theatres.<\/p>\n

With the move of the science team to RHS Hilltop, the new, state of the art centre for gardening science and public learning at Wisley back in 2021, the house needed a new purpose. Following a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and help from donors, funders and RHS members, the move opened up the opportunity for the libraries team to clear all the rooms, attics, cupboards and storage areas of their papers and equipment and discover more about the society\u2019s history.<\/p>\n

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The Hall in the Old Lab, Wisley<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

As Fiona explains, \u2018The libraries team has searched through 4,000 found objects and 5,000 photos to tease out some of fascinating stories and personalities behind our horticultural heritage.\u201d All their research has been meticulously recorded to present visitors with a theatrical, interactive and exhibition space that brings to life many of the hidden stories of Wisley\u2019s past. It also brings to light how the learning and experimentation that has taken place within its walls has shaped gardens and how we garden in the UK and around the world today.<\/p>\n

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The Townsend Lecture Theatre in the Old Lab at Wisley<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Visitors can see:<\/p>\n