Step away from the curated veneer of modern wellness and immerse yourself in the radical sincerity of the Pre-Raphaelite Gallery. In an era where nature is often reduced to a mass-produced commodity, we invite you to reclaim a genuine "Truth to Nature."

In this workshop, we apply the 1848 manifesto to the art of the infusion. While a true herbal tea is simple to prepare, it offers a vibrant, unpolished sense of well-being and belonging.

Just as the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood rejected idealised art in favour of the sincerity of "deep noticing" and scientific precision, medical herbalist Katie Beswick invites you to experience plants as they truly are: complex, vibrant, and sacred.

The Experience
Guided by the emotional resonance of the gallery’s iconic masterpieces, you will move past the superficial and engage with the authentic apothecary.

• Radical Sincerity: Discover why herbal tisanes remain the most immediate and powerful way to engage with plant medicine.
• The Art of the Blend: Using your senses and intuition, you will craft a bespoke herbal infusion.
• Folklore & Form: Uncover the traditional stories and healing actions woven through these plants, bridging the gap between artistic inspiration and physical wellbeing.
• Mindful Harvesting: this all begins with noticing, then building the confidence to work with nature safely and intuitively, honouring the landscape as a sacred. 

Drop in to the Pre-Raphaelite Galleries and join us to translate the precision of the canvas into the alchemy of the cup.

Katie Beswick is a medical herbalist, nature connection facilitator, forager and soapmaker from Stratford-Upon-Avon.

This session is part of Healing Arts Birmingham (HABrum) is a week-long, city-wide event showing how arts, culture and heritage can improve health, wellbeing and social equity.

The programme brings together community activity and professional practice from across Birmingham and the West Midlands. It showcases Birmingham's creative sector while demonstrating the evidence and methods behind creative health.