Flora of Nepal is a fascinating exhibition that highlights the long-standing connections between Nepal and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). It features botanical art made by contemporary British and Nepalese artists, alongside historical botanical art, Nepalese fabrics, plant products, films and other artefacts. 

The artists were inspired by the Scottish naturalist, Dr Francis Buchanan-Hamilton, who explored of the natural history of Nepal in the 1800’s and who research made a major contribution to the scientific knowledge of this area. Some of the botanical paintings that he commissioned from a unknown bengal artist are shown alongside the contemporary works. 

The collaboration of Scottish and Nepalese scientists to Nepal continues today with the RBGE Flora of Nepal program and we created a number of graphics and panels to interpret this work to visitors. Dalrymple worked closely with RBGE staff and curator Catriona Baird to produce this widely acclaimed exhibition. It will tour to Nepal in 2017.