The Herbology Room

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To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Leeds Central Library in partnership with the British Library created 'A History of Magic' exhibition running until Monday 29th January 2018.  The exhibition captures the traditions of folklore and magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories with magical treasures and tales from the local area including rare books on witchcraft, fantastic beasts and the dark arts that would not look out of place in a Hogwarts classroom.

During December, the exhibition also included The Herbology Room an installation designed and created by The Plant Room (now Terra Flora).  The Herbology Room was a space filled with botanical illustrations, extraordinary plants and herbs inspired by the magical plant studies in the Harry Potter stories.   

The Plant Room curated a collection of workshops and talks including wreath-making, life drawing and Essence + Alchemy Herbology Candle pouring sessions, tea-light and jar candle making.

Essence + Alchemy also created a Herbology scent, a magical essential oil blend of herbs all known for their protective powers and effectiveness in removing negative energy. The scent was diffused throughout the room.  Each botanical was chosen because of its historical association with magical spells, herbalism and the herbology studies in the Harry Potter stories.

Anyone that visited The Herbology Room will agree that it was a complete sensory experience.  On entering you were immersed into a magical and calming oasis filled with music created from plant vibrations, botanical wall projections, beautiful illustrations and natural perfume.  There was an overwhelming positive response to the Herbology scent; the combination of the essential oils intermingled with the aromas of the plants and dried herb installation evoked quite the olfactory encounter.