Lizzie Riches takes a fresh look at a wealthy lady and a historic flower show….
According to Anna Pavord’s masterly book “The Tulip” tulip bulbs had probably come to England through Flemish refugees who ,as many of them were weavers , settled in Norfolk to work in the woollen trade. This period saw the beginnings of florist’s societies….. I suppose the precursors of the RHS…… and the first celebration of which …. a Florist’s Feast….. was held in Norwich in May 1631. An observer noted that this event was attended by “Gentlemen of birth and quality “ In my mind I am sure the Hobarts of Blickling would have heard of this fashionable gathering and purchased bulbs for their beautiful garden . Though wildly inaccurate historically, my painting depicts Lady Frances Hobart enjoying her madly expensive blooms .
Quite a lot of modern tulips have crept into the picture!