Workshop: from plant to icon

In this workshop, you will give historical plants from Syria and the Levant a new form. You will work with botanical illustrations from *Icones Plantarum Syriae Rariorum*, a rare 18th-century botanical book by Jacques-Julien Houtou de Labillardière. You will choose an image from this remarkable book yourself. By closely observing shapes, lines, leaves, flowers and details, you will discover what makes the plant recognisable. You will then translate these characteristics into a contemporary image: your own plant icon.

Under guidance, you will work with pencil, coloured paper and collage. You will use prints from the historical book and receive a Botanical Recordbook created especially for this workshop. In this creative workshop, you will learn to look at botanical illustrations in a new way and discover how Syrian flora was once viewed, collected and depicted. 

This workshop is for anyone who loves plants, history and visual art, and wants to experience for themselves how a historical botanical print can be transformed into a powerful contemporary image. No experience is necessary – just a love of plants and nature! 

There are only 12 places available. If you book your ticket before 1 August 2026, you’ll receive a discount and pay €15.00 instead of €25.00. 

Please note: this workshop is in English. The price includes all necessary materials and a drink. The workshop lasts 4 hours, including a break. You will need to bring your own lunch.