Huntington Library, Art Collection & Botanical Gardens

Huntington Library, Art Collection & Botanical Gardens will use Flyboy Naturals freeze dried rose petals for an upcoming exhibit. La Rose Impériale: The Development of Modern Roses Feb. 9, 2008 – April 28, 2008 Boone Gallery Had it not been for Empress Joséphine, rose gardens today might be far less beautiful spaces. The wife of Napoléon Bonaparte had such a passion for the flowers that she spent vast sums collecting new varieties for the gardens at Château Malmaison, giving roses an imperial allure that did much to heighten their popularity. In the late 18th century, repeat blooming roses from China were just being introduced into Europe, where previously few rose species flowered more than once in the spring. New hybrids were being developed that combined this desirable characteristic of repeat blooms with the hardiness of old European roses, and Joséphine was at the forefront of driving the demand. Joséphine further elevated the stature of the rose by having her flowers immortalized. She commissioned Pierre-Joseph Redouté, former court painter of Marie Antoinette, to paint a series of flower portraits, which were later published in the great three-volume work Les Roses (1817-24). The story of Joséphine and the development of modern roses will be explored in a new exhibition drawn from The Huntington’s collections of rare botanical books, including a first edition of Les Roses and other beautifully illustrated works. This exhibition is presented in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Rose Garden at The Huntington, which was established in 1908 by founders Henry and Arabella Huntington. For more details about this upcoming exhibit please visit: http://www.huntington.org/Information/EventsCal.html The Huntington 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108 (626) 405-2100