Important collectors at Kew

The collections found in the Kew Herbarium today have their origins in the amalgamation, in 1853, of two large pre-existing private collections, namely those of George Bentham and William Hooker.

During the Victorian era, the collection grew further, fostered by these two men and by Joseph Hooker. Many plant collectors at that time were encouraged to undertake long and hazardous travels in search of new and different plants.

Amongst our collection of approximately 7 million specimens, we have specimens collected by several famous collectors. Here you may find out something about these botanists:

• William Burchell's travels in Brazil and Africa
• Charles Darwin and the Beagle
• George Forrest in Yunnan
• George Gardner in Eastern Brazil
• David Livingstone in South Africa
• Arthur Kerr in Thailand
• Gustav Mann in Cameroon
• Mary Richards in East Africa
• Richard Spruce in South America
• Nathaniel Wallich in the Indian subcontinent
• Ernest Wilson in China