[Taxacom] FW: Re: Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker: A Centenary Celebration, Kew, 9 December 2011

[Mark Nesbitt]

Botanist - Explorer - Champion of Darwin

A one-day conference jointly organised by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the Linnean Society of London, the Kew Guild, and the University of Sussex. 

In an age of great naturalists, Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817-1911) was perhaps the greatest Victorian botanist. His reputation is based on his early travels in the South Pacific Ocean and India, his lifetime's work on the world's flora and biogeography, and twenty commanding years as Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Sir Joseph's fame has continued to grow through his friendship with and staunch support for Charles Darwin.

All of these aspects of Joseph Hooker's long and remarkably productive life will be covered in a celebratory one-day meeting held, appropriately, at Kew Gardens. A varied programme includes five talks by leading scholars (Anne Secord, Paul White, Steve Hopper, Jim Endersby, Peter Donaldson), private behind-the-scenes tours highlighting Hooker material in Kew's collections, and a reception in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery with a private view of a special exhibition about Sir Joseph's life and work.  

This meeting will appeal to anyone with an interest in botany and its history, in exploration, empire or, of course, Kew itself. Registration fees include lunch and refreshments and early booking is advised.

Place & date: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew - Friday 9 December 2011

Registration fee £35 (students £15)

Booking: www.kew.org/jdhooker   Enquiries: jdhooker at kew.org

(NB: Those coming long distances might bear in mind that the NHM & Kew are also hosting a meeting on Nathaniel Wallich, 6-7 December. Registration details to follow.)