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Sutton Seeds plants its roots at university museum – University of Reading

The University of Reading's Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) is currently hosting the Suttons Seeds Exhibition, celebrating the 200th birthday of the world famous firm. This new exhibition celebrates the bicentenary of Suttons Seeds and features fascinating objects and material from the company's archive now held at MERL. Anyone interested in the history of Reading, gardening or botanical illustration will relish the opportunity to view this unique exhibition. Suttons Seeds was established in 1806 and became one of the foremost Victorian enterprises in agriculture, growing from a small company in Market Place in Reading town centre, to a world-leader in its field, sending seeds across the globe from Burma to New Zealand. MERL Curator, Will Phillips, says visitors are in for a real treat. "The display provides a wonderful snapshot of the local area at a very exciting time in its history. Suttons Seeds was one of the most well-known firms in Victorian Britain and MERL is delighted to be a part of its 200th birthday. "The strong connections between Reading and Suttons Seeds make MERL the ideal location for this commemorative exhibition. Since its relocation to Redlands Road, the museum has gone from strength to strength and has become more popular than ever." Ends The exhibition runs until 21st December 2006 and admission is free For more details please contact: Will Phillips, Curator, Museum of English Rural Life Life: Tel: 0118 378 8660 Email: w.phillips@reading.ac.uk Images are available upon request For media enquiries, please contact: Lucy Ferguson, Press Officer, University of Reading Tel: 0118 378 7388 Email: l.ferguson@reading.ac.uk Notes for Editors The Museum of English Rural Life was founded by the University of Reading in 1951 to reflect and record the changing face of farming and the countryside. It houses Designated collections of national importance that span the full range of objects, archives, photographs, film and books. Today, it forms part of the University's Museums and Collections Services. Location The Museum moved to its new premises in 2005 and is located opposite the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Redlands Road. Opening hours Museum, library and archive: Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 4.30pm Museum only: Saturday and Sunday, 2pm – 4.30pm For more information visit the MERL website Entrance to the Museum and exhibition are free.