Two Acquisitions by the Shirley Sherwood Collection
‘I’m thrilled to share that two of my botanical drawings — ‘Expansion’ and ‘Liberty’ — have recently been acquired by the renowned Shirley Sherwood Collection. It’s an incredible honour to have my work included in the world’s largest collection of contemporary botanical art, and to have had the opportunity to meet and speak with Dr. Shirley Sherwood herself.’
‘Expansion’ - Teasel - Dipsacus fullonum - Original Charcoal Drawing 2025
‘Expansion’ – Dipsacus fullonum
In June 2025, Nick had the privilege of visiting Dr. Shirley Sherwood in London to share my drawing of a teasel titled ‘Expansion’.
Nick spent an hour with Dr. Sherwood and her assistant, Hannah, talking all things trees, plants, and process. It was another insightful and enjoyable conversation, and he came away feeling inspired by Dr. Sherwood’s knowledge and enthusiasm for botanical art.
Dr. Sherwood was particularly drawn to the composition, striking detail, and monochromatic contrast of Expansion. By the end of the meeting, she decided to add the piece to the Shirley Sherwood Collection.
‘Liberty’ – Castanea sativa
The acquisition of Liberty took place in 2023, following Nicks first meeting with Dr. Sherwood at her Chelsea residence.
After reviewing a selection of my drawings, Dr. Sherwood chose to acquire ‘Liberty’ – Castanea sativa, noting the piece’s contemporary composition, depth, and the way it captured a botanical subject beyond its prime, lending it a melancholic and thought-provoking quality.
That initial meeting was a proud and formative experience — one that began an ongoing dialogue about art, nature, and the evolving language of botanical drawing.
‘Liberty’ - Sweet Chestnut - Castanea sativa - Original Charcoal Drawing 2023
About the Shirley Sherwood Collection
The Shirley Sherwood Collection houses over 1,000 works by more than 300 artists from across the world. In collaboration with Kew Gardens, Dr. Sherwood opened the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art in 2008 — the first gallery in the world dedicated solely to botanical art.
The gallery showcases this remarkable contemporary collection alongside Kew’s historic archive of over 200,000 botanical paintings. Since opening, it has hosted over five exhibitions a year, celebrating the enduring beauty and scientific precision of botanical art.
You can learn more about the gallery and its exhibitions on the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew website