2015–2016
An Exhibition on Conservation
For thousands of years, orchids have been valued for their extraordinary ornamental appeal. Yet many species have become victims of their own beauty and are now of serious conservation concern. This project seeks to highlight the decline of numerous orchid species in the wild through a botanical art exhibition.
Our aim is to raise awareness of the impact of purchasing wild-collected orchids for ornamental use. We do not suggest that people should stop buying orchids; rather, we present possible solutions for species threatened by over-collection.
How will we achieve this?
We use the power of art to reach a wide audience—engaging emotions and encouraging more mindful choices when purchasing orchids. By combining different artistic approaches, we are developing an exhibition focused on species threatened by over-collection. The exhibition is based on research carried out in the biodiversity hotspot of Xishuangbanna (also known as Banna), a region that hosts one of the richest orchid diversities on the planet.
The exhibition includes both scientific watercolour illustrations and traditional ‘Gōng bĭ’ Chinese painting.
Our Base: Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden
January 2015
My first visit to Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanic Garden (XTBG) took place in January 2015. I stayed there for three months, preparing the first sketches of a series of endangered orchids.
I was fortunate to work in an exceptional studio—spacious, filled with natural light, and one of the best working environments I have experienced. During this time, I worked on nine orchid species.
The support from the XTBG team was invaluable. They assisted me in sourcing specimens, provided scientific guidance, and created a welcoming and encouraging environment. Their generosity made the entire experience both productive and deeply enjoyable
Collecting Specimens – The Orchid Nursery
February 2015
All species illustrated for this project were sourced from the garden’s nursery. XTBG is an extensive botanical garden, often requiring transport by small electric buses or long walks across its grounds.
As my scientific illustration work is primarily studio-based, I would visit the nursery, select specimens, and return to the studio to begin my studies. To facilitate this, I was given a small electric scooter—affectionately named ‘George’. XTBG generates its own electricity from the surrounding river, making the entire system remarkably environmentally conscious.
The staff at XTBG were always on hand to help me select and correctly identify specimens. Their nursery is extraordinary, and choosing a subject was often the most difficult part—every plant was captivating in its own way.
The Team
Sophie Williams
2015
Sophie Williams was at the heart of this project.
We first met years earlier at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. She is an exceptional educator and botanist, deeply engaged in conservation work.
When I mentioned my plans to travel to China, she immediately responded with, “Why not orchids?” From that moment, the project began to take shape. Together, we developed ideas, refined our plans, and grew increasingly excited about the possibilities. Our shared ambition was simple yet powerful: to help protect orchids.
Sophie’s enthusiasm was infectious, and I was immediately drawn into her vision. At the time, she was working part-time at XTBG and began building a strong foundation for the project—bringing together a team that included orchid specialists and students studying both botany and human sociology.
However, life can take unexpected and devastating turns. In June 2015, Sophie contracted Japanese encephalitis from a mosquito bite. She was hospitalised in critical condition.
She remained in a coma for several months and faced severe challenges—losing the ability to breathe independently, speak, and walk. Yet Sophie is extraordinarily strong. Gradually, she began to overcome each obstacle, defying expectations.
I was heartbroken and initially felt unable to continue the project without her. However, when I visited her in hospital, I encountered someone of immense strength and resilience. Despite being surrounded by machines and wires, her spirit and smile remained undiminished. That moment changed everything for me. I realised I had to continue what she had started.
Just before she fell ill, Sophie had secured funding for the project—her final message to me simply read, “I got it!!!”. Thanks to her efforts, we received 150,000 RMB to bring this project to life.
We had her vision, the funding, and renewed determination. What remained was to rebuild the team. Given the research-based nature of the project, it was never something I could undertake alone. Fortunately, XTBG showed strong support and commitment to continuing the work. It was deeply encouraging to see everyone come together to carry the project forward.
After Sophie Williams
2016
With the support of Richard Corlett, we formed a new team.
Professor Gao, head of the orchid research group, recommended his master’s student, Song, to conduct surveys and research as part of her degree. Wang Ximin, Head of Education at XTBG and a close friend of Sophie, became the project leader—coordinating collaborations with other botanic gardens and ensuring the project progressed smoothly.
My role continued as before: producing the illustrations, contributing to the exhibition design, and safeguarding the artworks.
This aspect of the project carried a certain responsibility, as the exhibition included not only my own paintings but also works by two Chinese artists. Hui Rui Hua contributed twenty orchid paintings in traditional Chinese style, while Yan Lan, specialising in scientific illustration, created eleven works. Her paintings belong to the Shanghai Botanical Garden, which generously allowed us to exhibit the original artworks.
Together, these contributions formed a rich and diverse visual narrative—uniting art, science, and conservation in a shared purpose.