Kew gardens reopen gallery

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has revealed that the sites year-long restoration work on the Marianne North Gallery has been completed.

It means visitors can marvel at the vast array of botanical paintings on display, with over 900 plant species represented.

Each of the works are painted by the Victorian botanical artist after which the gallery was named.

All 832 of Norths oil paintings are being conserved on paper to protect them from deterioration.

"Each month we are discovering hidden inscriptions, sketches and even leaves and grass on the paintings," explained Eleanor Hasler – a member of the restoration team.

"It is a rare opportunity and privilege to conserve such a big collection by one artist."

The Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew feature a large Victorian greenhouse in which a variety of horticultural species are kept.