The Herb Garrett, London.

Following on from the previous post regarding our visit to the Herb Garrett, early last year, Jen has continued to develop ideas, in particular how herbs were used and referenced in 17th century in literature; not only as medicine but also as poison. In contrast to the present day, the uses of common herbs was more widely understood and descriptions can frequently be found in literature and plays. For example one can be seen in William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. In trying to draw attention to his mothers treachery having poisoned his father, Hamlet can be found muttering the words 'wormwood, wormwood."

One of the earliest known recipes containing mugwort (also known as wormwood) can be traced back to 1000AD. The herb is known to have had a bitter taste and was commonly used to treat heartache/heartburn. Jen has chosen lead as the medium to explore some of these contrasting qualities. The work continues to evolve.