RHS Garden Hyde Hall. Credit: RHS/Mark Winwood
The Royal Horticultural Society is calling for the public to submit memorabilia for its archives to mark 75 years since the Festival of Britain.
Celebrated in 1951, the festival intended to lift spirits amid post-war austerity while also inspiring people across the country to get into gardening.
It also saw the rejuvenation of public green spaces, which the RHS intends to highlight within the archives at RHS Lindley Library.
Fiona Davidson, head of libraries explains:
“We want to ensure that this history reflects the gardens and events inspired by the 1951 Festival of Britain that played an important part in ushering in a public garden revival, many of which are still benefitting local communities today.”
The public is encouraged to reach out with any photos, leaflets or postcards by emailing festivalofbritain@rhs.org.uk. Further information can be found on the RHS website: Festival of Britain gardening appeal / RHS.
Images can include public spaces such as parks and festival gardens in or around 1951, local Festival of Britain celebrations with a horticultural element and floral displays.