Potted History: The Story of Plants in the Home - Hardcover

Catherine Horwood

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0711228000 ISBN 13: 9780711228009

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers, 2007

Synopsis

There are plenty of books on how to look after houseplants but Catherine Horwood is the first to show us how, when and why these plants came to be found in our homes. We learn how potted plants are as subject to fashion as pieces of furniture. For the Victorians it was the aspidistra in the front parlour; for us it is the orchid in the designer loft. We find that Wedgwood created a market for special bulb pots and that some of Conran's early designs were for houseplant containers. Then there is the story of mignonette: a modest plant once prized in every home for its intoxicating scent – a scent now lost to us for ever.
Catherine Horwood's novel combination of social history, plant history and the history of interior design is intriguing. Her illustrations come from a variety of unusual sources since potted plants can be found in many unexpected corners.

About this title

Product Description:

From the early 17th century, when Sir Hugh Platt recommended that 'in Sommer time, your chimney may be trimmed with a fine banke of moss' in which to arrange pots of flowers or herbs, to the present day and the ubiquitous moth orchid, Horwood traces changing fashions in houseplants. Her novel combination of social history, plant history and the history of interior design covers topics as diverse as the first 'exoticks' and NASA research into the peace lily's effect on air quality.

Review:

Intriguing blend of social history, horticulture and interior design that examines changing fashions in houseplants || An interesting take on a topic that has rarely been discussed. || A well-researched and intelligently written book, with appropriate and useful pictures - but also plenty to read. This is a book to recommend, both to those with an interest in growing plants indoors and under cover, and also those with an interest in social history. || An interesting book, well researched and illustrated, and an enjoyable read.

About this edition

• Publisher: Frances Lincoln Publishers
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0711228000
• ISBN 13: 9780711228009
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 208