Language of Flowers Talk and Demonstration SOLD OUT!

Thursday, June 1 6:00-7:30pm General Admission: $40|| Members: $35 || Student: $20

The beauty of flowers is fleeting but the belief that every blossom carries a meaning is enduring. The language of flowers was described by one 19th century author as “a science that requires but little study.” It reached a zenith in Britain during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) as part of a nationwide passion for gardening and garden lore, and fluency in floral code eventually blossomed here in the United States as well. From Victorian art, to poetry, fiction, and fashion –- as well as in bouquets — blooms have always meant more than meets the eye.

Join us for an integrated talk and flower arranging demonstration that explores the history of symbolism in flowers, with art historian Debra Mancoff and floral designer Tess McNulty of the Flower Club Chicago. At evening’s end, you will depart with a bouquet of your choosing. Select among three bouquets, ‘Ambassador of Love’, ‘Pure and Ardent Love’, or ‘Love and Heartbreak,’ on the registration page.

Program Note: Because of museum conversation practices, this event is not a workshop, and your take-home bouquet will be handed out at departure.

About the Speakers:

Debra N. Mancoff is a Chicago-based author. She writes about the intersection of art, culture and fashion. She earned her doctorate in Art History (Victorian Art and Culture) at Northwestern University, lectures regularly at many of the major museums in the United States and Great Britain, and is a Scholar-In-Residence at the Newberry Library. Her books include Dante Gabriel Rossetti: Portraits of Women (V&A/Thames & Hudson); Secrets of Art: Uncovering the Mysteries and Messages of Great Works of Art (Frances Lincoln); The Face: Our Human History (British Museum/Thames & Hudson); The Garden in Art (Merrell), and The Pre-Raphaelite Language of Flowers (Prestel).

Tessa McNulty is founder of The Flower Club Chicago, is a female-owned,pop-up and event-centered floral studio based in Chicago. Bold, unique and rooted in child-like curiosity, The Flower Club likes to emphasize texture and color with both fresh and preserved stems to create fun and celebrated floral art for people and brands. Founded by Tessa McNulty, The Flower Club was born after she relocated back to Chicago to be closer to family. The Flower Club is available for events, workshops, collaborations, and weekly florals.

Image: Lawrence Alma-Tadema, The Roses of Heliogabalus. 1888.

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Tags: Chicago, Debra N. Mancoff, Language of Flowers Talk and Demonstration, Near North Side, Richard H. Driehaus Museum, Tessa McNulty