Arbour Restoration Project

The Friends’ appeal for the last two years has targeted the restoration of the twelve arbours in the Royal Botanic Gardens, six of which were commissioned by then Director, Ferdinand von Mueller. Enjoy an illustrated talk explaining the arbour project and some of the restoration that has been completed.

The Argus newspaper of 28 September 1864 noted a contract was awarded to wheelwright and blacksmith John G Goldsmith for six iron bowers for Botanic Gardens, £81 10/-. There are no records of when the additional six iron arbours were constructed but Fraser Brown, from Quadratum Architects, speculates that with the appointment of Guilfoyle as Director in 1873 it is possible such works were undertaken internally by Garden staff, thus explaining the lack of contract information.

Andrew Laidlaw, the RBGV’s Landscape Architect, has designed new planting schemes for all twelve arbours which will be implemented as each arbour is repaired and reinstated.

Refreshments from 4.45pm.