Kew at Work Gallery

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

636. The Volcanoes of Merapi and Marbaboe, Java, from the top of Boro Bodoer

The rich plain at their feet covered with morning mist; the tops of the Cocoanut groves alone showing above it, and indicating the position of the numerous native villages. In the foreground are some of the 400 life-size statues of Buddha, amidst their shattered dagobas, which adorn the wonderful pyramid and its seven steps or terraces. They contain the whole history of the holy man, illustrated in the finest bas-relief, and if stretched out would measure three miles in length. The building was commenced apparently in the fifth or sixth century, and may have been in progress 200 years before it was completed

© RBG KEW

Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820)

Sir Joseph Banks (1743-1820), wealthy philanthropist, natural history lover, patron and first unofficial director of Kew Gardens from about 1773. Used his considerable influence to advance the Royal Gardens at Kew. Travelled with Captain Cook on HMS Endeavour to the South Pacific, visiting South America, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia and Java, from 1768 to 1771. President of the Royal Society 1778 to 1820

© RBG KEW