Jodrell Laboratory

The Jodrell Laboratory is where plant anatomy, cytogenetics, and other laboratory-based research is carried out. It is possible to see the laboratory in action from the colonnade.

The extended Jodrell Laboratory stands on the site of the first laboratory, which was erected and equipped for the sum of £1,500 in 1876. The money for the original building was donated by Mr T. J. Phillips Jodrell, after whom it was named.

The cottage-like first building had four main rooms for research, and an office. Initially, mainly physiological research was carried out but over a period of time, plant anatomy came to play the major role. An artist's studio and dark room were added in 1934. By the 1950s this building was grossly overcrowded. The long-established Anatomy section had been joined by a Cytology (later Cytogenetics) section, and the wish to revive plant physiology research, particularly on seed viability, meant that a new building was needed.

The original building was demolished in 1963 and a new laboratory was opened in 1965, allowing Physiology and Biochemistry sections to be established. As the Physiology section became increasingly involved in seed collection for plant conservation, more space was necessary for storing seed in suitable buildings to ensure long-term viability. Additional laboratory space was also needed for work on seed physiology. As Wakehurst Place had more available space than Kew, the physiologists moved there in 1973. The section is now named Seed Conservation, which describes the current work more accurately. Biochemistry research also expanded, with interests in chemotaxonomy and potentially useful secondary plant compounds.

Research interests expanded, particularly in areas enabling more of our unique resources to be applied to the benefit of humankind. The development of a Molecular Systematics section and the need to accommodate research visitors and postgraduate students all added to pressure on facilities. In addition, there was an urgent need to reintegrate the biochemists and TEM laboratory, for efficiency, safety and improved cross-fertilisation of ideas, plus an acute requirement for improved library and central services, and common equipment areas. These were met by building the new extension, which was completed in spring 1993.

Today, Jodrell Laboratory staff and students concentrate on selected plant families or groups of plants, with economic importance or particular biological interest, e.g. gramineae, orchidaceae, leguminosae, palmae, and petaloid monocotyledons. There is also collaboration in research and conservation based on selected world areas of important biodiversity wealth, and in which there is corporate interest, e.g. Africa and Madagascar, South-East Asia and Latin America, particularly North-East Brazil.

Continue the tour

Back up to: North Eastern Zone

Jodrell Nursery

Carry on to: School of Horticulture

See also

Kew's History & Heritage: Jodrell Laboratory