Fragrance in the Fungarium: Capturing Heritage Scents of Mushrooms and Mycological Art
Lead Research Organisation:
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Department Name: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Abstract
Smell is one of our most important and powerful senses, affecting our emotions and helping us form new memories. Interest in capturing and synthesising scents to create multi-sensory experiences in museums and galleries is growing. In the natural world scent is also a key tool in the identification of plants and fungi, and it is generally acknowledged that the ability to distinguish between smells increases as individuals become more experienced with the process.
This project aims to investigate the role scents and smelling have in our experiences of international cultural heritage collections. Through the creation of artistic and inclusive interpretations of fungus biodiversity, the project will reveal a new olfactory dynamic to our engagement with both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Using an experimental practice-based approach, the project will explore how odours of living collections and archival material at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) and Regional Gardens, alongside characterisations of scent in the art of mushrooms, can be captured, contextualised and communicated to engage diverse audiences with heritage smells. The project will use James Sowerby's (1797-1809) 'Coloured figures of English fungi or mushrooms' as a case study. In collaboration with University College London's Institute of Sustainable Heritage, the project will also analyse and interpret the odour of a first-edition copy of Hadrianus Junius (1564) 'The Description of the Phallus', a sixteen-page pamphlet held in the KB National Library of The Netherlands, The Hague, that describes in prose, poetry and woodcut illustration the dune stinkhorn Phallus hadriani, and is believed to be the earliest printed work dedicated to a single species of mushroom.
The project will be approached through a range of creative and interdisciplinary heritage practices, including the documentation and critical analysis of historical and contemporary artworks depicting mushrooms; video and photography of living and dried fungus specimens in the RBGE Herbarium; and exhibition curation informed by creative responses to other related items held in other UK archives.
A series of outputs will be delivered, including: an artist's essay film combining documentary footage, studio animation, voice and new music composition; a contribution to a fungus-themed contemporary art exhibition at Inverleith House, RBGE (autumn 2024); a creative events and community engagement programme aimed at the wider public and staged across all four Regional Gardens; an in-house publication featuring new writing, photography, and reproductions of mycological art from the RBGE and affiliated collections; plus publications in peer-reviewed journals aimed at the arts and heritage sector.
Through the case study of stinkhorns, and by working in partnership with the RBGE, Regional Gardens and global partners, an innovative method will be developed for the promotion of heritage scents as a valuable resource for diversifying audience engagement with gardens and fungi. This practice-based approach can be repeated at other GLAM institutions worldwide and is thereby potentially of national and international significance.
This project aims to investigate the role scents and smelling have in our experiences of international cultural heritage collections. Through the creation of artistic and inclusive interpretations of fungus biodiversity, the project will reveal a new olfactory dynamic to our engagement with both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Using an experimental practice-based approach, the project will explore how odours of living collections and archival material at the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) and Regional Gardens, alongside characterisations of scent in the art of mushrooms, can be captured, contextualised and communicated to engage diverse audiences with heritage smells. The project will use James Sowerby's (1797-1809) 'Coloured figures of English fungi or mushrooms' as a case study. In collaboration with University College London's Institute of Sustainable Heritage, the project will also analyse and interpret the odour of a first-edition copy of Hadrianus Junius (1564) 'The Description of the Phallus', a sixteen-page pamphlet held in the KB National Library of The Netherlands, The Hague, that describes in prose, poetry and woodcut illustration the dune stinkhorn Phallus hadriani, and is believed to be the earliest printed work dedicated to a single species of mushroom.
The project will be approached through a range of creative and interdisciplinary heritage practices, including the documentation and critical analysis of historical and contemporary artworks depicting mushrooms; video and photography of living and dried fungus specimens in the RBGE Herbarium; and exhibition curation informed by creative responses to other related items held in other UK archives.
A series of outputs will be delivered, including: an artist's essay film combining documentary footage, studio animation, voice and new music composition; a contribution to a fungus-themed contemporary art exhibition at Inverleith House, RBGE (autumn 2024); a creative events and community engagement programme aimed at the wider public and staged across all four Regional Gardens; an in-house publication featuring new writing, photography, and reproductions of mycological art from the RBGE and affiliated collections; plus publications in peer-reviewed journals aimed at the arts and heritage sector.
Through the case study of stinkhorns, and by working in partnership with the RBGE, Regional Gardens and global partners, an innovative method will be developed for the promotion of heritage scents as a valuable resource for diversifying audience engagement with gardens and fungi. This practice-based approach can be repeated at other GLAM institutions worldwide and is thereby potentially of national and international significance.
Publications
Parkinson Sion
(2024)
Stinkhorn: How Nature's Most Foul-Smelling Mushroom Can Change the Way We Listen
| Title | 'Fungi Forms', Inverleith House Gallery, Edinburgh |
| Description | Fungi Forms was an exhibition exploring the world of mushrooms through fashion, literature, art, music, and science. I contributed 3 artworks, along with selected materials from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Library and and Herbarium collections, which contextualised my ongoing research. |
| Type Of Art | Artistic/Creative Exhibition |
| Year Produced | 2024 |
| Impact | The 'Fungi Forms' exhibition had an impact both internally and externally, raising the visibility of my research within my host organisation, and fostering new opportunities for public engagement. Within the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, the exhibition served as an effective platform for communicating my research to colleagues, particularly those in the Science and Learning & Engagement teams. It facilitated interdisciplinary discussions and strengthened connections between research, artistic practice and public engagement. 'Fungi Forms' welcomed 35,132 visitors and the associated public programme of events attracted more than 1,100 further engagements. The exhibition's reach demonstrated strong public interest in the intersection of art and science. Media coverage in The Scotsman, The Times, The National, The Telegraph, and the BBC further extended its reach. To coincide with the exhibition at Inverleith House, Edinburgh, a public lecture supported by the Scottish Book Trust was held on 20th November, attracting a further 60 attendees. In this event, I presented my research in conversation with Dr Max Coleman (Science Communicator) and independent mycologist Dr Patrick Hickey. As a direct result of the exhibition, I was invited to speak at Goldsmiths University (Visual Cultures Department) on 21st November, where I led a seminar for 10 PhD students and delivered an evening public lecture attended by 65 participants, including faculty members, academics, and members of the general public. This opportunity further reinforced the relevance of my research in academic and public discourse, demonstrating the exhibition's role in raising the visibility, and expanding the influence and application of my research beyond the gallery space. |
| URL | https://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/fungi-forms/57484/ |
| Description | (1) Two key proposed objectives have been delivered: 'contributing to a fungus-themed contemporary art exhibition at Inverleith House'; and 'delivering a creative events and community engagement programme'. The five-month exhibition, Fungi Forms (Aug-Dec 2024), and its associated public programme engaged diverse audiences by highlighting the intersection of art, science, and sensory experience. A major output of the project has been the creation of three artworks inspired by the odour of the dune stinkhorn (Phallus hadriani), which were exhibited alongside materials selected from the Library and Archives and Herbarium, contributing to new approaches in interpreting botanical and fungal collections. (2) Another key research output is the accession of 4 specimens of Phallus hadriani into the Herbarium (British Basidiomycetes), accompanied by detailed smell catalogue data. This represents a step towards integrating olfactory heritage into botanical collections. (3) The research has also advanced discussions on how artistic and interdisciplinary methods can help museums and galleries engage diverse audiences through sensory experience. This was particularly evident in the 'Botanical Smellscapes' workshop (Sep 2024), which explored how scent can be used as a tool for accessing botanical archives. Since its initial delivery, the workshop has gained traction, leading to invitations to run it again for my cohort of AHRC-funded Early Career Research Fellows (Dec 2024) and for MA Curating Contemporary Art students at the Royal College of Art (April 2025). My creative and interdisciplinary approach to olfactory heritage has also been cited at '(Re)discovering Natural History Collections', a symposium at The Linnean Society (Feb 2025), attended by researchers, museum professionals, and heritage scientists, highlighting its relevance within collections-based research and curatorial practice. (4) Additionally, although not part of the original objectives, my research on historical descriptions of Phallus hadriani odours in mycological literature housed within the Botanics' Library and Archives directly contributed to a chapter in my monograph, 'Stinkhorn' (Sternberg Press), published in the UK and Europe in August 2024 and launched in North America in March 2025. The book extends the project's themes into wider academic and public discourse. While its full impact is still emerging, early indicators include reviews in peer-reviewed journals and an invitation to give a presentation at 'Thinking With Plants and Fungi' conference (Harvard University, May 2025). (5) Future opportunities to extend the project's findings include its contribution to the forthcoming exhibition 'Pressed for Time' (John Hope Gateway Gallery, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, March-June 2025), which will further showcase my approach to working with plant and fungi collections, and incorporating smell into collections-based storytelling. |
| Exploitation Route | The outcomes of this funding may be taken forward through both academic and non-academic routes: (1) Academically, the research will feasibly contribute to advancing the integration of olfactory heritage into botanical and fungal collections, as evidenced by the accession of Phallus hadriani specimens, and the inclusion of odour descriptors of fungi species in interpretation materials (e.g. text panels and labels) in gardens. Researchers and academics in fields such as botany, mycology, museum studies, and sensory science are likely to build upon these findings, especially in relation to integrating scent as a tool in collections-based research and curatorial practice. (2) Non-academically, the outcomes may have a lasting impact on museum and gallery engagement with diverse audiences through multi-sensory experiences. The broad public appeal of the Fungi Forms exhibition, and the success of the 'nose-led' workshop to accessing archives shows the potential for wider adoption by institutions, curators, and educators. Additionally, the forthcoming exhibition 'Pressed for Time' offers an opportunity to further showcase the role of long-term, artist-led research in cultural and heritage organisations. Such collaborations with independent research organisations could develop best practices for incorporating olfactory, and other sensory elements into public engagement activities. These findings are also likely to inspire future interdisciplinary projects and partnerships within the GLAM sector. |
| Sectors | Creative Economy Education Culture Heritage Museums and Collections |
| Description | (1) The 'Botanical Smellscapes' workshop, organised with University of Edinburgh, was attended by non-academic audiences including artists, heritage professionals, museum interpretation specialists, and the general public. The event sparked broader discussions on how scent can be used to engage with natural history collections, influencing curatorial, heritage interpretation, and public engagement practices. Invitations to repeat this practical workshop for early career researchers and postgraduate students demonstrate growing interest in sensory approaches to collections research. (2) The Fungi Forms exhibition and public programme introduced over 35,000 visitors to the cultural and significance of fungi and olfactory experience as a tool for heritage interpretation. Public engagement activities, including talks and workshops, further extended the project's reach (1,100 engagements), with additional reach through my contribution of odour descriptors to interpretation panels of 5 common fungi found in the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which receives around 450,000 visitors per year (though individual engagement with these panels is difficult to quantify). (3) Beyond these direct outputs, the project's impact is also becoming evident in academic and professional discourse. Book-based research carried out within the Library & Archives and underpinning sections of my book 'Stinkhorn' has contributed to expanding discussions around sensory histories and human-fungi relationships, with early engagement through peer-reviewed reviews and upcoming conference presentations. (4) Furthermore, the project's creative and interdisciplinary approach to working with fungi collections is further documented in the forthcoming exhibition 'Pressed for Time' at a second gallery within Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, as part of the Edinburgh Science Festival 2025. This exhibition will highlight how historical plant and fungi specimens can be reinterpreted through contemporary creative practice, extending the project's impact by engaging new audiences in garden and museum settings. Together, these outputs demonstrate how the project is influencing public engagement, collections interpretation, and academic discourse, with ongoing opportunities for further knowledge exchange. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2024 |
| Sector | Creative Economy,Education,Culture, Heritage, Museums and Collections |
| Impact Types | Cultural |
| Description | Early Career Research Fellowships in Cultural and Heritage Institutions - Seed Fund |
| Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
| Organisation | Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 06/2024 |
| End | 07/2024 |
| Description | Routes to Roots: Workshop Supporting Artist-Researchers within Plant-Centred Organisations (Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) |
| Organisation | Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | My contribution to the day-long workshop 'Routes to Roots' has been to articulate its aims both internally and externally, identify and approach potential participants from Scotland-based botanic gardens, national funding bodies (e.g. Creative Scotland), and Scotland-based artists and curators engaged with the emerging field of Plant Humanities. I played a key role in securing funding through an internally awarded AHRC 'Seed Fund' (£5,000), a small grant designed to extend the scope of our research. My expertise in creative and interdisciplinary approaches to botanical collections has shaped the workshop's framework. As part of the planning process, I have contributed time to liaise with staff at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and coordinate logistics, as well as securing institutional support from department heads (Library & Archives, Public Engagement). The event will take place in Edinburgh in July 2025. My collaborator, Dr Marleen Boschen (AHRC Early Career Research Fellow at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew), shares responsibility for facilitating the workshop, documenting the event, and evaluating its outcomes, ensuring that the workshop aligns with the project's overall objectives. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Dr Marleen Boschen's contribution has been pivotal in shaping the workshop through her expertise in the curation of contemporary art, commissioning artists, and her experience working with plant-centred organisations, particularly at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, where she is an AHRC Early Career Research Fellow. Marleen has also been instrumental in securing institutional buy-in at Kew, engaging with key staff members and teams to ensure the workshop aligns with Kew's broader research and public engagement priorities. She has played a key role in defining the scope of this extended research, drawing on her extensive network of UK-wide botanical organisations and artists. Her experience of large-scale exhibition curation and commissioning has further enriched the project, ensuring its relevance to both botanical and cultural institutions. Additionally, she has contributed to the organisation of the event at the Botanics Edinburgh, ensuring smooth collaboration across both host institutions. |
| Impact | Since the workshop is forthcoming, there are no formal outputs to report at this stage. However, the development of this ongoing collaboration has been supported by an internally awarded AHRC 'Seed Fund' (£5,000), administered by the V&A (PI) as part of the AHRC Early Career Research Fellowship in Cultural and Heritage Organisations pilot scheme. While securing this funding is not an output in itself, it represents a key milestone in extending the scope of our research and facilitating cross-institutional collaboration between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This collaboration is inherently multi-disciplinary, bringing together expertise from contemporary art, curatorial practice, botanical and fungal research, plant humanities, and museum studies. The workshop will build on this interdisciplinary approach by fostering dialogue between artists, researchers, and professionals working within botanical and plant-centred organisations. |
| Start Year | 2024 |
| Description | The Smell of Scotland: Botanical Smellscapes (Edinburgh), Multidisciplinary Workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | The 'Smell of Scotland: Botanical Smellscapes' workshop, organised with Dr Xuelei Huang from the University of Edinburgh, was a full-day event held at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on 12 September 2024, as part of a series funded by The Royal Society of Edinburgh. The workshop was attended by 36 participants. The aim of the event was to explore the connections between scent, history, biodiversity, and cultural identity. In addition to helping organise the event, I delivered a paper on using smell to access botanical archives, followed by a practical workshop and a guided tour of the Herbarium. Dr Huang played a crucial role in shaping the workshop's themes and coordinating international speakers, contributing to an interdisciplinary dialogue. They also presented on the influence of fragrant plants from China on Scottish gardens, focusing on plants collected by the Scottish botanist George Forrest. The event featured contributions from key figures from my organisations, including Lorna Mitchell (Head of Library & Archives), and Professor Olwen Grace (Deputy Director of Science, Collections, and Curator of the Herbarium). The event sparked interdisciplinary discussions and increased interest in botanical and sensory research, providing new perspectives on the role of scent in cultural and scientific contexts. It brought together people from other heritage organisations in Scotland, as well as independent museum interpretation specialists, who were interested in using smell as a means of public engagement. This collaboration successfully facilitated meaningful discussions between academic and non-academic audiences, including colleagues from the Visitors Team and Horticulture staff, and contributed to a deeper understanding of botanical and sensory histories. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
| URL | https://www.rbge.org.uk/science-and-conservation/library-and-archives/plant-fungi-humanities/botanic... |