RETURN TO OLDER WORKS
TO BE SET & SOWN IN THE GARDEN, 2001
Details
Sited in the grounds of the Round Reading Room, Glasgow University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK 2001
Materials: Planting scheme, sustainable hardwood benches, engraved Porcelain Headrests, lighting and text.
Photography: Alan Dimmick
Links
DESCRIPTION
A permanent work commissioned by the University of Glasgow to celebrate the 550th anniversary of the foundation of the University; developed through close dialogue between the artist, working as a Research Fellow, in collaboration with staff across University Departments.
The following descriptive, illuminated text strip accompanies each component of the work;
To Be Set and Sown in the Garden Christine Borland, 2001
Commissioned to mark the 550th Anniversary of The University of Glasgow
The porcelain pillows are replicas of the wooden headrests used in anatomical dissection
Each pillow is inscribed with a plant illustrated in Fuchs’ herbal ‘The History of Plants’ 1542
The first suggestion of a physic garden in Scotland is a planting list by Rev. Mark Jameson
Jameson was Rector’s Deputy in 1555, when Glasgow University was sited near Glasgow Cathedral
Jameson’s annotated copy, 1549, of Fuchs’ pocket herbal, is kept in the University Library
Many of the plants he selected were considered extremely dangerous if taken during pregnancy
The reason for Mark Jameson’s selection of plants with gynaecological properties, is unknown
Borland focused on the discovery of a planting list for a Physic Garden in the University. The list was drawn up by the Rev. Mark Jameson, a student who served as Rector’s Deputy in 1555, when the University was sited close to Glasgow Cathedral. It is unclear whether this garden was ever planted; the earliest physic garden in the University is not officially recorded until the 18th Century. Many of the plants thought to have been proposed for the garden are known to have ‘ecbolic’ ie expulsive qualities.
Each bench has a head-rest. The white porcelain pillows are replicas of the wooden headrests used in anatomical dissection. The blocks are commonly used in dissection theatres as ‘pillows’ to support the head of the corpse being studied. Each pillow is engraved with adaptations of the original illustration of a plant illustrated in Fuchs’ herbal ‘The History of Plants’ These plants are also depicted in the works Ecbolic Garden (Lisson Gallery 2001) and The History of Plants According to Women, Children & Students.
Adapted from Glasgow Univeristy Press Release