Como House of Discovery: Finding Flora

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 (Flora being the Goddess of flowers and spring) will draw 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 will collaborate with florists and students to develop the installation and explore sustainable approaches to floristry.

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 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.

Como House is under the custodianship of The National Trust of Australia - Victoria (NTV), the state's premier heritage and conservation organisation. The NTV is committed to sustainable practice and playing 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 help conserve and protect Victoria's heritage for future generations.

Finding Flora opens on August 5th, until October 15. 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, tickets can be purchased online.

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