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Unisa Library celebrates the accession of its two millionth book
The Unisa Library celebrated the accession of its two millionth book at a glamorous event held at the Protea restaurant on Wednesday 23 September 2009.
In his welcome address, Prof Pityana indicated that books and reading have been in the news lately, but that there is a drive at present to encourage reading and the enjoyment of books. Dr Nicola Brewer, the United Kingdom's Ambassador to South Africa, stressed the importance of reading and said that her greatest wish as a child was "to be surrounded by books. Reading makes us richer, but we need to catch the reading bug early in life."
Dr Mbambo-Thata then provided a comprehensive overview of the book, entitled The Highgrove Florilegium: watercolours depicting plants grown in the garden at Highgrove. It is an exquisitely handcrafted two-volume portfolio featuring a collection of prints of 123 masterworks by the finest 21st century botanical artists from around the world. This portfolio of botanical water colours was commissioned by HRH The Prince of Wales to celebrate his conservation efforts at Highgrove. The purpose of these botanical illustrations is to record plants with scientific accuracy and to show botanical detail.
This edition is limited to just 175 numbered sets, each signed by HRH The Prince of Wales. The 64 artists were rigorously selected and four of them are from South Africa --- Ann Harris-Deppe, Gillian Condy, Diana Carmichael and Vicky Thomas --- all of whom are highly acclaimed professional South African botanical artists.
All royalties of the Florilegium will go to charity foundations, including the combat of HIV/Aids in Africa.
Gillian Condy (artist), Dr Nicola Brewer (British High Commissioner), Prof Pityana, Dr Mbambo-Thata, Prof Rita Maré, Dr Judy Henning, Ann Harris-Deppe (artist) & Diana Carmichael (artist) | 
