“Heartwarming, astonishing, devastating and yet somehow optimistic. Every time I come here, I am enlightened more on the subjects at hand. Although I have spent a lot of time in this building, I am blown away by the flowing cohort of beautiful and important messages. I absolutely adore the fact that local artists are used to add to this space and continue the stories.”

– Exhibition visitor

“What a beautiful collection! Objects of talent, of time, of wonder, of memory, of sorrow, of intelligence, curiosity and hope. An intelligent collection and a generous exhibition, inspiring again.”

– Exhibition visitor

“The juxtaposition of nature and ephemera creates such a connection with the natural world. I love the celebration of natural objects and that every visit generates a new unravelling of ideas. It is so important to nurture a wonder of natural things.”

– Exhibition visitor

“What a wonderful treat! Every corner contains an exquisite example of the intricacies nature gives us, in abundance. Your vital messages need to be widely seen and perhaps move people and be given pause to reconsider how each of us can contribute to the changes needed. You  have curated and created the most sublime experience, here in Hay.”

– Exhibition visitor

“Something new and interesting every time I come. And the environmental message is so well integrated into the display. Inspiring and a great asset to Hay.”

– Exhibition visitor

“This place makes my heart sing. Such a considerate and beautiful exhibition to inspire and educate. I feel inspired.”

– Exhibition visitor

“A house of wonders. So wonderful to see such a beautiful and creative collection in a beautiful space. So informative and important. I look forward to seeing more of your projects in the future.”

– Exhibition visitor

“Beautiful. Thought-provoking. Vital. Thank you. We look forward to seeing all that comes next.”

– Exhibition visitor

“How you have collated the exhibition is mind blowing. All the objects placed so carefully in such a clever way. I love all the snippets of information and facts that really make you think about everything around us. Long may this continue. I cannot wait to see the finished building.”

– Exhibition visitor

“[Seeing] The Cabinet of Curiosities […] was such a privilege and so elegant, superbly curated and powerful – I am sure it will long be a destination for Hay visitors. Thank you so much for all your commitment to our planet and our shared cause for the climate crisis.”

– Grace Kempster OBE

“I have found all the Botany and Other Stories exhibitions fascinating and totally unique compared to any other exhibition I’ve ever been to. They are crammed full of unusual artefacts, as well as knowledge and ideas that are new and interesting to me – such as the fact that humans took the idea of making paper out of wood from wasps. The exhibitions are beautifully curated and teach a lot about ecology, history, and the importance of respecting and preserving our planet.”

– Lucy Green

“We thought the Botany and Other Stories event last weekend was wonderful.

It was beautifully curated and presented and, as usual, had fascinating histories and facts relating to the whole topic of paper and the written word. We came away both educated and entertained! 

We really enjoyed it.”

– Dr Richard Warner

“I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful experience your exhibition provided, so much information and so beautifully curated. So an enormous thank you from me!”

– Victoria Keeble

“I was absolutely delighted by your Cabinet of Curiosities ‘Pulp Fiction’ exhibition in Hay-on-Wye yesterday. It was so many things: beautiful, inspiring and thought-provoking.

There was so much that I learnt about the history of how paper is made and also about the environmental issues raised by our modern over-use of paper. It is a product that we take so much for granted, but this exhibition made me really see it from a new perspective. It can be such a beautiful material and the exhibition showed how it can be used in so many wonderful ways.

Thank you so much for enriching our lives in Hay with your work and inspiration!”

– Professor Mick Peake, OBE

“Everything I saw made my heart beat faster, as I walked around to enjoy such exquisite little pieces of art.”

“The reconnection with nature you are creating is much needed.”

“The haunting aesthetic of the Cabinet of Curiosities has quite transformed my day!”

“A real balance of beauty and environmental education. Congratulations on a wonderful collation.”

“We so enjoyed our visit to the Cabinet of Curiosities. We were struck by the research, the artistry and the attention to detail that resulted in such an engaging and informative collection. Immediately afterwards we felt we needed to see it all again!”

“I have no words for how breathtaking and inspiring it was to see the botanical watercolours alongside so many fascinating examples of artwork and collectables displayed in such a considered and thoughtful way. More importantly even was reading your messages displayed throughout the exhibition space highlighting the world’s climate emergency.”

“Henallt House incorporates many extraordinary rooms that delight, excite and educate in equal measure. As you wander around the exhibition you are greeted by exquisite collections of fascinating curios that blend artistry with facts. Consequently the viewer is both engaged and challenged to question their perceptions of the world. It really is a feast for the eyes and soul!”

“What an intoxicating fusion of science and art and nature and literature and protest – a kaleidoscope of wonderfully curated glories.”