‘Oh divine chocolate, they grind thee kneeling, beat thee with hands praying and drink thee with eyes to heaven.’ – Words composed by the 18th century Spanish writer Marcos Antonio Orellana, satirising the reverence that accompanied the new craze for drinking chocolate. Lettering hand carved onto a Victorian house brick, and painted.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

16 artists were invited to the Chelsea Physic Garden to acquaint them with the unique, historic garden. They responded to the Gardens’ 2018 theme of ‘Beverages Bubbles and Brews’ with proposals for standing stones and sculptures, sundials and ornaments with witty and wise inscriptions of poetry, drinking songs and recipes. 

Inspired by the myriad of plants that are the ingredients in teas and tisanes, wines, cordials, beers and herbal brews, ‘An Elixir of Letters’ slakes  the thirst of art lovers and gardening enthusiasts alike.

The exhibition occupies spaces throughout Chelsea Physic Garden from May to October 2018.