Como House of Discovery: Finding Flora

5 Aug 2023 ‐

05 Aug 2023

12:00 am ‐ 11:59 pm

Adult: $15 
Concession: $12 
NTV Members: Free 

 

Finding Flora in the House of Discovery, opening August 5th at Como House.

Como House is redolent with floral imagery – on furnishings, decorative arts, textiles and – of course – the garden. From engraved illustrations of women as personifications of flowers, to the abundance of bouquets on the Sanderson chintz sofa covers – Como House has unequivocal floral energy. 

As part of the Como House of Discovery Series, this new installation Finding Flora draws from an archive of historical images depicting how flowers were once used to ornament interiors and dress at Como. Floral arrangements, alongside other botanical decorations, will recreate the atmosphere of ‘rustic adornment’ and verdant abundance. National Trust curators are collaborating with florists and students to develop the installation and explore sustainable approaches to floristry. 

The installation is open for visiting on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11.30am, and Saturdays and Sundays at 10.30am and 1.00pm. If you would also like to join a historical guided house tour, please purchase your tickets here.

Como House is under the custodianship of The National Trust of Australia (Victoria), the state’s premier heritage and conservation organisation. The NTV is committed to sustainable practice and to play an active part in the global movement to overcome climate change. 

Become an NTV member today to enjoy free and discounted access to year-round events for the whole family, and to help conserve and protect Victoria’s heritage for future generations to enjoy. 

*Flora the Goddess of flowers and spring  

 

 

What's on

Curator Tour

5 Oct • 11.30am - 12.30pm

Join the National Trust’s Senior Curator and Historian, Elizabeth Anya-Petrivna, for an intimate tour of Como House’s latest House of Discovery offering, Finding Flora.

 

Discover the inspiration of this sustainable installation is and the floral energy imbued in Como House. Following the tour, enjoy a hot beverage and dessert at the Stables of Como.

 

Image: Simon Schluter

Purchase Tickets

Photo Competition

Capturing Como's Flora

Take your best photo of Finding Flora at Como House for a chance to win $200 NTV Gift Card and be featured in an E-Newsletter and on our Social Media.

 

To enter simply take a photo of the Flora found in Como House and tag @nationaltrustvic and #FindingFloraNT  

 

The winner will be drawn on October 15 2023

See full competition rules

Curator's Notes

A resonance can be felt between nineteenth century attitudes towards nature in urban settings and our contemporary obsession with indoor plants, flowers and beautiful decorative ceramic planters. These living displays were once called ‘parlour pets.’  During the nineteenth century the industrial revolution – and new coal-based technologies – contributed to emigration, an increase in the urban population and exacerbated pollution. Today we are living with this legacy. 

A fascination with plant life, and nature generally, psychologically mitigates the grief many humans feel about species loss and the impact of climate change. If we can include nature in our homes, we bolster our sense of connection. The Victorians knew this too. 

Elizabeth Anya-Petrivna

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