Weird Plants

Chris Thorogood is the Deputy Director and Head of Science of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum in the UK, and a lecturer in plant biology at the University of Oxford’s Department of Plant Sciences.

Chris’s research focuses on the evolution of parasitic and carnivorous plants, conservation of parasitic plants, plant diversity in the Mediterranean Basin and Japan, and the biomimetic applications of plants. Chris is a panellist for BBC Radio 4’s ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ and an international best-selling author of specialist and non-specialist titles.

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His recently published book ‘Weird Plants’ explains plant behaviour and the intrigues of plant evolution in a way that has never been done before. The book is illustrated throughout with surreal and colourful life-like oil paintings by the author.

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This is a rare opportunity to see some of his impressive and detailed oil paintings in the setting of the Sunbury Gallery.

Chris has been fortunate to see many extraordinary and exotic plants in the wild around the world. He talks with enthusiasm of North Borneo, Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO world heritage site in Sabah, as being home to a unique endemic biodiversity and a place that captivates the imagination. Seeing a carnivorous pitcher plant in Borneo, is an experience without compare. The biology of some of these species remains unexplored to this day.

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As Chris points out, carnivorous plants have inspired writers, scientists and the public alike for generations. You don’t have to travel, as we don’t understand some of the plants on our own doorstep.

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Meet Dr. CHRIS THOROGOOD for a talk on "Weird Plants" in The Sunbury Gallery

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THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY 2022: 7.00 - 8.30pm:

Tickets £15 including wine and nibbles

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Explore the astonishing world of killer plants with Dr Chris Thorogood, Deputy Director and Head of Science, The University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum. Enter the world of Dr Chris Thorogood and listen to some of his incredible stories discovering weird and wonderful plants in the wild. His enthusiasm is infectious. He will talk about how he came to write his book “ Weird Plants” and create a the stunning range of paintings that will surround you during this talk. An event not to be missed!

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Tickets available at the Gallery  - numbers limited.

Discount for Members of The Sunbury Gallery