Beautiful Botany is the name of the latest exhibition of Special Collections which will open on Thursday. The exhibition focuses on Berthe Hoola van Nooten, born in Wageningen in 1817 (passed away in 1892). She was a teacher in the Dutch East Indies, but became famous for her floral drawings.
The publication of David Coppoolse’s biography on Hoola van Nooten at the end of last year prompted the exhibition. The book was presented in November by Special Collections. A fire in the library prevented the exhibition from opening at the time, an omission which is now being corrected.
First edition
It is not surprising that Coppoolse chose Wageningen for the presentation of his book. ‘All of the reproductions are part of our collection, says conservator Anneke Groen, ‘We have many of Hoola van Nooten’s work. We have no less than five copies of her (only) book, including a first, second and third edition. One of these books contained a rare drawing she made of the metamorphosis of a stick insect, of which only a limited number have been published.’
Groen seizes the opportunity to bring the work of WUR’s botanical artists into focus. WUR has employed quite a number of botanical artists through the years. The most recent of these was Wil Wessel, who retired in 2006. Wessel, now 78, is still active and will be present at the opening, as will Coppoolse. Resource will publish a story on her work in its March edition.
These are scientific drawings, with a focus on detail and precision
Anneke Groen, conservator Special Collections
The works made by Wageningen’s botanical artist were often published in dissertations or used in teaching. The drawings are in black and white. ‘These are clearly artisanal’, Groen states. These are scientific drawings, with a focus on detail and precision. As soon as colour is introduced, there is more room for free expression, which causes it to become art.’
Art and artisanal
Hoola van Nooten’s work aptly shows this combination of art and artisanal. Much of the production is no longer in the possession of WUR, as the drawings were moved to Naturalis, together with the plant collection. However, the beautiful books kept by Special Collections remain, including those by Hoola van Nooten.
Beautiful Botany opens this Thursday. The programme, featuring lectures by Anneke Groen and author David Coppoolse, starts at 15.00 hrs in room C0221 of Forum. Registration is closed due to overwhelming interest. The lectures will be repeated at a later date (to be announced on the Special Collections’ website) during the exhibition.
