Case Studies

A beautiful book for all who love plants and their stories

In 1829, London physician Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward sealed a plant inside a glass container — a simple experiment that helped change the way plants were transported across the world, transforming gardens, ecosystems and lives in the process.

This book traces that story through photographs and essays, pairing striking contemporary images of cased plants — shot in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom — with reflections on the implications of plant transfer/movement. Across six essays by Gregory O’Brien, Dame Anne Salmond, Luke Keogh, Mark Carine, Markman Ellis and Huhana Smith, the book considers not only the scientific and colonial ambitions that drove botanical exchange, but also its consequences: ecological disruption, the spread of invasive species, and the marginalisation of Indigenous knowledge systems.

Case Studies also gives space to other voices — those speaking to mātauranga Māori, to tino rangatiratanga over native species, and to the ongoing work of conservation and reclamation. It is not only a record of historical movement, but also a reminder of the values and choices that continue to shape the land beneath our feet.

To look inside, click here.

‘The mix of image and text gives the book its breadth, its inquisitiveness and its instant and lasting appeal. It is gorgeously produced and will be a handsome and memorable gift’ — Don Abbott, Art New Zealand

‘On the surface Case Studies may appear as the visually captivating and compelling documentation of an art project, a collaboration between multi-talented botanical artist Felicity Jones and photographer Mark Smith, however, deeper delving reveals the book is also a labyrinthine journey through space and time’ — Alex Eagles-Tully, Kete Books 

‘Every one of the photos is a work of art in itself . . . There’s layer upon layer of interest and meaning. I couldn’t rate it highly enough and I’m so proud that they’ve published this in New Zealand’ — Lynda Hallinan, RNZ