The Physicians of Myddfai were herbalists who practised healing with plants around the village of Myddfai in Carmarthenshire in the 12th century. This was a time of great learning and new ideas, with the first universities being founded and monastic schools established. The monastery at Strata Florida – which means layers of flowers – was built around this time, sponsored by the Welsh prince Lord Rhys, and became a renowned centre of herbal healing. The scholasticism of the monks would have encouraged the preserving of the recipes in written form but it is likely that they stemmed from centuries of knowledge passed down orally among the Welsh tribes and villages.
A few years ago our exhibiting group Roath Botanic Garden Artists put on a show called “Roots of Magic - The Healing Plants of Myddfai” inspired by them. The exhibition was at the National Botanic Garden of Wales in Carmarthenshire, which itself has a physic garden and an Apothecary's Hall – a re-created Edwardian pharmacy where most medicines were made from plant materials and extracts.
The ideas behind my work for this exhibition came from some of the many herbal recipes passed down by the Physicians of Myddfai and recorded in a 14th century manuscript named the Red Book of Hergest. Many of these recipes appear extraordinary to our modern eyes and included cures for all manner of ailments. My paintings are based mainly on recipes for the treatment of fever – see image above – but don't try this at home! The plants are featured in watercolour with calligraphy, butterflies and other small creatures.