The Garden Museum is proud to present a free exhibition exploring the beauty, science, and history of orchids through the work of Nelly Roberts (1872–1968), the first and longest-serving orchid artist for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Featuring a selection of her watercolours alongside archival photographs and historic documents, the exhibition celebrates both the artistry of botanical illustration and the rich horticultural heritage of south London.

Nelly Roberts’ meticulous watercolours capture the delicate form, colour, and structure of orchids with astonishing fidelity. Working from her modest Brixton flat at 72 Loughborough Road, she produced thousands of orchid illustrations for the RHS, the North of England Orchid Society (NEOS), and private collectors—including American patrons such as the Du Pont family. Roberts’ innovative techniques, such as masking petals to create luminous backgrounds and layering washes to render ruffled edges, bring each bloom vividly to life.

Her paintings were not only works of art but also scientific records. Many of the orchids she painted received prestigious RHS Awards of Merit and First Class Certificates. 

The works by Nelly Roberts in the Garden Museum’s collection were suggested by the Community Panel and acquired and paid for by Ever Green – the Garden Museum Endowment Fund.