Imagine, if you will, a world without the vibrant colors of azaleas. Or gardens devoid of the delicate beauty of chrysanthemums. This Robert Fortune Plaque commemorates the man who helped bring these wonders to Britain.
The Robert Fortune Plaque marks the London home of Robert Fortune. He lived here from 1857 to 1880. The English Heritage erected this plaque in 1998. It stands at 9 Gilston Road, Kensington.
Robert Fortune was more than just a plant collector. He was a Scottish botanist. He was also a bit of a botanical spy. Born in Berwickshire, Scotland, in 1812, he rose through the ranks. He went from a garden apprentice to superintendent of the Horticultural Society’s hothouse in Chiswick.
In 1843, Fortune embarked on his first trip to China. The Horticultural Society tasked him to collect plants. They also wanted him to gather information about Chinese horticulture. He ventured into areas forbidden to foreigners. To do this, Fortune disguised himself. He wore Chinese clothing. He used his limited knowledge of local languages. He pretended to be a visitor from another part of China.
Fortune introduced many plants to Britain. He used the Wardian case. It was a portable greenhouse. It kept plants alive on long journeys. He brought back the kumquat. He introduced the Japanese anemone. He also brought back several species of azalea. Rhododendrons and chrysanthemums also made the journey. He even collected orchids from Java and Manila.
But Robert Fortune’s most impactful act was his role in the tea trade. The East India Company tasked him with bringing back tea plants. He also had to learn tea-making knowledge. In 1851, he introduced 2,000 plants and 17,000 sprouting seeds to India. He secretly observed tea manufacturing in China. He learned that green tea and black tea came from the same plant. The different processes created different teas.
His actions ended China’s tea monopoly. Britain took the lead in tea production in India and Ceylon. Tea from China had been expensive. British-controlled tea became a staple. Fortune’s work had an element of espionage. A film called him ‘The Tea Thief’.
From 1857, Fortune lived at Gilston Road with his wife and children. He published travelogues. These described his journeys and insights into little-known areas. His books included ‘A Residence among the Chinese’ and ‘Yeddo and Peking’.
Illness plagued his later years. It was associated with his travels. He died at his Gilston Road home. He is buried in Brompton Cemetery.
Robert Fortune’s legacy lives on. Many plants bear his name. These include Trachycarpus fortunei and Rhododendron fortunei. The Robert Fortune Plaque reminds us of his contributions. He enriched our gardens and changed the course of history. He was a true pioneer.