Research project Ephemeral green spaces

Ephemeral green spaces: Garden ideals, parks and horticultural exhibitions in general art and industrial expositions 1866-1930.

In this project are the green spaces of the general art and industrial exhibitions in focus: the designed exhibition space with trees, bushes and flowers which contributed on an elementary level to the experience of the exhibition as a whole. Furthermore, these exhibitions usually also included designated spaces for horticultural developments and contests where produce from kitchen gardens, flowers and indoor plants were showcased. Some exhibitions also included miniature gardens designed on site, and models, plans, and photographs all conveyed gardening ideals to the general public. These aspects of the exhibition spaces have not been explored to any larger extent, and the aim of this project is therefore to contribute with new knowledge about these important elements of the exhibition spaces of which many were transformed into public parks after the exhibtions closed.

The project is divided into three case studies. In the first, the exhibitions in Stockholm 1866, 1897, 1909 and 1930 are in focus. The main issue is how and with what means garden design and gardening was encouraged in general through the exhibitions. The second is a comparative study between the Baltic exhibition in Malmö 1914 and the Jubilee Exihibition in Göteborg 1923 where the actors and creative processes involved are illuminated. In the third case, Swedish contributions to international exhibitions are explored with a certain focus on the international horticultural exhibition in London 1928 where the Swedish participation received positive reviews in the press cover.