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Sustainability

True to Nature Camera Obscura

Between Tuesday 3rd May 2022 and Monday 29th August 2022, the Fitzwilliam Museum presents the True to Nature exhibition.  

The exhibition explores the ways artists in the 18th and 19th centuries recorded fleeting moments in nature. It comprises of over 100 oil sketches from The Foundation Custodia in Paris, The National Gallery of Art in Washington, and The Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, together with a private collection of sketches.  

While nature will feature on the walls of the museum, the lawns and gardens are also being taken over by new wildflower growth and biodiversity, a part of long-term changes to how they garden and manage the natural areas of the museum. 

Annual report Quick start
The Marlay lawn Plans for the lawn

 

The first part of the transition has been to replace single species lawn grass with tall grasses and wildflowers. After laying fabric on the Marlay lawn to reduce light exposure, they planted new seeds on the site in March, comprising of a mix of perennial wildflowers and cornfield annuals. They are experimenting with their seed mix while they learn what works best where, and what combinations will attract the greatest range of insects and birds.  

Annual report Quick start
Planting begins The lawn takes shape

This work is being undertaken in conjunction with the Estates Division to deliver the University’s Biodiversity Action Plan and under the guidance of the City Council Biodiversity Officer. 

Make sure not to miss out on both visiting the exhibition and seeing the progress of the new wildflower meadow!