Herbal Herbs

The exhibition at the Tazzetti Museum offers an insight into the vast universe of the plants and the herbals, knowledgeable figures dedicated to the collection, conservation and study of plant species. Since the Middle Agesherbs were cultivated in the gardens of simple people, often linked to the monasteriesand with the emergence of the botanical gardens In the 16th century (Pisa 1544, Padua 1545, Florence 1554) herbaria became widespread as instruments of scientific research. In this context, the figure of the herbarium emerged, fundamental to botanical knowledge.

The exhibition presents some historical figures: the monk Giovanni Antonio Bottaliniwho catalogued 580 herbs (1740-1749); Francis Peyrolery, 18th-century botanical painter and collector of the Botanical Garden of Turin; the English mathematician Clarence Bicknellbotany enthusiast, and the Piedmontese Francesco Garnier Vallettifamous for its educational artificial fruits.

At the centre of the exhibition is the herbarium of the young Enrico Peter Grandean integral part of the Museum's collections. The herbarium plates are flanked by 'scientific pills' illustrating theevolution of plants, their environmental adaptations and the threats caused by climate change, with a strong message of conservation and protection of biodiversity.

The project is enhanced by collaboration with theAcademy of Agriculture of Turin, the Clarence Bicknell Museum, the International Institute of Ligurian Studies in Bordighera, Aldo Chiariglione (expert on the flora of the Lanzo Valleys), and Marisa and Manuel Torello (curators of the herbarium of Friar Bottalini). The exhibition is curated by Emanuela Lavezzo and Enrico Peter Grande, with design by Studio Loredana Iacopino Architettura and communication by Enrico Peter Grande and Alessandro Mella. During the summer, popular meetings are planned to explore the plant world in its many facets.