The Wardian Case: Unboxing the history of plant transportation

When travelling around the world takes months, how do you keep your newly collected plants alive? Enter Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward.

Join Collections Manager Erin Messenger and Assistant Archivist Isabel Lauterjung as we dive into the history of the Wardian case, a creation that transformed botany and the British Empire. Learn how Ward developed his first prototype, how Kew used the cases to grow its collections and how you can explore the Archives at Kew Gardens.

Advisory notice: This video discusses forced labour as part of the historical context of transporting plants. Viewer discretion is advised.