Brighton Museum & Art Gallery is set to give visitors a rare glimpse into the 19th-century world of plants, science, and one extraordinary man’s passion for botany. Opening 15th July 2025, “Herbarium: Flore de Petersbourg” showcases a remarkable collection of over 200-year-old preserved plant specimens gathered by the renowned royal physician Sir Alexander Crichton.
From Mental Health Pioneer to Botanical Explorer
Though Sir Alexander Crichton is best known for his pioneering work in mental health, including one of the first documented descriptions of ADHD, this new exhibition shines a light on his lesser-known but equally fascinating botanical pursuits.
Crichton served as Physician in Ordinary to Tsar Alexander I of Russia, later knighted by King George IV at the iconic Royal Pavilion in Brighton in 1821. During his extensive travels across Europe and Russia between 1805 and 1815, Crichton collected, pressed, and carefully annotated hundreds of plant specimens. These are now housed in the St. Petersburg Book, a rare herbarium donated to the city in 1920 by his grandson, Major Edward D. Crichton.
A First Look in Over 100 Years
For the first time in more than a century, highlights from this historic herbarium will be displayed publicly at the Prints & Drawings Gallery in Brighton Museum. The exhibition runs from 15th July 2025 to 11th January 2026, and includes categories such as:
- Medicinal herbs
- Edible food plants
- Aquatic species
- Wildflowers
Each specimen sheet features Crichton’s original handwritten notes, offering an intimate look at his scientific curiosity and meticulous documentation.
“The display is a fascinating mix of science, history, and humanity” said Hedley Swain, CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums.
A Blend of Science, History, and Humanity
The exhibit also brings renewed attention to the Booth Museum of Natural History, where the herbarium is normally stored. Many of the oldest botanical specimens in Brighton’s collection will now be accessible to the public in this beautifully curated show.
“Sir Alexander Crichton was a visionary, and this exhibition gives a rare glimpse into the personal curiosity that underpinned his extraordinary public career.”
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, plant lover, or museum-goer, this unique exhibition is a rare opportunity to connect with the botanical legacy of a truly remarkable figure. Don’t miss Herbarium: Flore de Petersbourg, a celebration of science, nature, and historical discovery.
Herbarium: Flore de Petersbourg: 15 July 2025 – 11 January 2026
Prints & Drawings Gallery, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Free with Brighton Museum admission, members go free
