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Elevation of the Great Pagoda

Elevation of the Great Pagoda by William Chambers, Architect
Sir William Chambers first published this design of the Pagoda in 1763 in his 'Plans, elevations, sections, and perspective views of the gardens and buildings at Kew in Surry'. The building itself was constructed between Autumn 1761 and Spring 1762. Engraving on paper by T. Miller.

© The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Henry Ridley and rubber tree, Singapore

Extension of original cutting on an old Para rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis - Henry Ridley ('Rubber Ridley') and rubber tree, tapped for latex. HNR/1/2/6/3 Henry Ridley was director of the Singapore Botanic Garden from 1888 to 1911. Through his expertise and ecouragement, and with rubber trees that had been trees sent from Kew in 1877, the Malaysian rubber plantation industry was established. Today most of the world's rubber comes from plantations in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

© The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Portrait of William Townsend Aiton (1766 - 1849)

Lithograph portrait of William Townsend Aiton (1766-1849), portrait, lithograph by L. Poyot, printed by C. Graf. The handwritten note attached to bottom of the portrait reads: The small parcel accompanying this note is enclosed for Dr. Hooker with my kindest regards, W.T. Aiton. Royal Gardens Kew, 7 Octr 1829. Aiton was Head Gardener at Kew from 1793 to 1841, and also appointed Director General of all royal gardens by King George IV. He was involved in the production of Hortus Kewensis, 1810 to 1813.

© RBG Kew