‘A Curious Herbal’: Hertford botanical work in new Ashmolean exhibition

31 March 2026

Hertford College Library has loaned a 1739 edition of the beautifully illustrated botanical work A Curious Herbal by Elizabeth Blackwell to the Ashmolean Museum for their new exhibition.

‘In Bloom’ explores our changing relationship with the natural world, starting in Oxford and travelling across the globe in flowers. The University is collaborating with colleges and local partners to curate exceptional exhibitions whilst reducing its carbon footprint, and ‘In Bloom’ is the Ashmolean’s first exhibition to consider sustainability from start to finish. This includes sourcing 92% of the artworks locally rather than borrowing items from further afield, as well as reusing display cases and choosing non-toxic fabric and lighting materials. Hertford College is delighted to work with the University on such an exciting display, and Hertford’s gardener Alison and librarian Alice also very much enjoyed the launch party!

The exhibition, which includes historic and modern pieces, runs until Sunday 16 August. An image from the Herbal can also be spotted on the hoardings around the library building site on Catte Street.

 

Image: Rose from Blackwell’s Herbal