Botanical Research Workroom

A botanist's workroom crowds every surface. Glass flasks of blue, violet and orange liquid stand on brass rings over a lit burner at the centre bench, beside two microscopes, a rack of coloured test tubes and a bell-shaped oil lamp. An open book of pressed flower plates lies at the front with a magnifier, a trowel, seed packets and a sheet of botanical sketches. Shelves at the left hold labelled jars of seeds and beans in every colour above a bank of pastel drawers. Potted orchids, lilies and bromeliads crowd the edges and the sill of an arched window looking onto a garden. Framed plant studies, hanging dried bunches, secateurs and trowels fill the wall, with stacked books at the right. Warm timber sets off the glassware, so each cluster reads on its own.