Collections

Pollen Collection

The Department has a collection of approximately 2300 pollen reference slides. Initially this was quite a small collection, with a good representation of arctic-alpine species, reflecting current research interests. However, the size of the collection has recently increased considerably with the acquisition of 2000 pollen slides and fungal specimens from the former Asthma and Allergy Unit at Sully Hospital. This collection is an essential resource for research and teaching.

The main focus of palynological research is currently surface pollen deposition, and the relationship between vegetation and pollen deposition in arctic-alpine areas. There is also expertise in the vegetation history of Wales and Scandinavia during the Holocene.

Prints, Drawings and Photographic Material

The Department holds a superb collection of some 9000 prints and drawings, from professional engravings to amateur watercolours. It includes works by masters of botanical illustration such as Ehret, Redouté and Fitch. The successful exhibition The Paradise Garden (October '97 - March '98) raised the profile of these items considerably. The collection is well documented and conserved and there is a high level of expertise within the Department. A comprehensive catalogue is being prepared. Current research is concentrated on the strengths of collection, notably work by female botanical artists and also the unique Bute Botanical Tables by John Miller.

In addition, the section is responsible for 47,000 35mm and medium format photographic transparencies. The strengths of this collection are the Welsh flora and environment, alpine plants and botanical illustrations.

The Economic Collection

The economic collection comprises approximately 4500 specimens. It includes a wide range of medicinal plants, food products, seeds, curios and commercially-important raw materials. This collection attracts students studying herbalism and has great potential for outreach activities.

Archives

The archive collection contains diverse material ranging from unpublished manuscripts by eminent Welsh botanists to Departmental records. The priority for this collection is to re-organise it and to produce a database to make it more accessible. The long-term goal is to research and publish some of the botanical treasures held therein.