The Brendel Botanical Teaching Models Exhibition at the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, curated by Karen Stewart, is an exhibition of rare and beautiful models to entice a quest for botanical knowledge.
A fascinating exhibition of botanical models from the 19th century!
These artistically composed models use a variety of ingeniously assembled materials, each a mini sculpture in its own right.
Botanical art curator Karen Stewart says: “Considering their scientific precision and realism, the educational value of these rare 19th century has not diminished in the least, and we have used them to bring deeper botanical knowledge to our visitors of all ages”.
A collection of Brendel botanical teaching models was acquired by Stellenbosch University's Botany department, probably in the 1920’s. Over time they fell out of use and were packed away in storage, where they were largely forgotten. A few years ago they were rediscovered, and Professor Léanne Dreyer recognised their value and kept them safe in her office, until now. She has kindly donated them to Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden to ensure that they remain accessible to the public in years to come.
The Perfect Blend of Art and Science
These models are the perfect blend of art and science. This first scientific exhibition of the models seeks to use them for their intended purpose which was to educate enquiring minds about botany. "We have extracted what we feel is an exciting and enticing piece of information about each model, in the hope that this will set off a deeper quest for botanical knowledge. The labels have been beautifully illustrated by botanical artist Matthew Moir who is currently doing his PhD in Botany at Stellenbosch University." Curator Karen Stewart.
From the 1860s until the late nineteenth century Robert Brendel and his son Reinhold’s company produced these popular botanical models in Germany with a team of talented model makers and botanists to create some of the finest ever created. Brendel enlisted scientific guidance from a local pharmacist, Dr Carl Leopold Lohmeyer, and botanical advice from the Professor Ferdinand Cohn, director of the Breslau Agricultural Station.
This exhibition represents one of the few permanent displays of these models open to the general public in the world. The models are absolutely correct to scale. A clever thing about some of the models, like that of a Salvia flower, is that they can be taken apart to demonstrate its pollination mechanism. Visitors can view the exhibition daily from 08:00 – 17:00 included in the Garden entrance fee (R15 per person, R10 for pensioners, free of charge for Stellenbosch University students and staff).
View the botanically-themed gifts, homeware, and décor sales at the SUBG shop.
The James & Shirley Sherwood foundation grant has enabled the publication of a catalogue, clean up and create a beautiful display for these unique and valuable models.
WHAT: Brendel Botanical Teaching Models Exhibition
WHERE: Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Neethling St &, Van Riebeeck St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7602
WHEN: 13 Feb 2026 – 8 March 2026 Daily from 08:00 – 17:00
ENTRANCE: included in the Garden entrance fee (R15 per person, R10 for pensioners, free of charge for Stellenbosch University students and staff).
INFO: Exhibition info Art Curator: Karen Stewart T 072 719 6136 E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden Razelle Gallant E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | Social media updates @subtogarden | see also MapMyWay
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