From mushrooms to rhododendrons: A selection of books and gifts from our independent bookshop

Along with the launch of LOOK Climate Lab 2026, we have curated a selection of books that investigate the role of green spaces in our lives, and how our lives impact theirs. Have a look through our list – or visit us and have a browse in person!

With love, from an invader. Rhododendrons, Empire, China and Me by Yan Wang Preston, £35.00 

Part love letter, part ecological field study, this powerful book by the award-winning artist Yan Wang Preston explores the life, symbolism, and politics of the Rhododendron, Britain’s most hated non-native invasive plant. Weaving together artworks, field reports, scholarly criticism and archival materials, the project challenges perceptions on both human and botanical migration. A must-have for anyone who wants to dive deeper into environmental photography!

Forest by Yan Wang Preston, £45.00

This thought-provoking photographic project explores the complexities, politics, and process of urban reforestation in Chinese cities. This project follows Yan’s eight year journey (2010-2017) photographing the transplantation of mature trees from their natural environments to urban spaces, such as shopping centres and subway stations, raising questions about what is ‘natural’ and ‘unnatural.’ Perfect for those interested in quiet but powerful projects that spotlight narratives that are often overlooked.

On the necessity of Gardening an ABC of Art, Botany and Cultivation by Laurie Cluitmans, £29.90

Featuring a variety of different essays and an extensive abecedarium, this book tells the story of the garden as a rich source of inspiration. Chitmans reflects on the Garden as a metaphor and mirror for society, through concepts such as guerrilla gardening to queer ecology and zen garden. By forcing us to rethink anthropocentric perspectives on nature, Chitmans calls for a new, radical awareness of our relationship with the Earth.

The Garden Against Time: In Search of a Common Paradise by Olivia Laing, £10.99

A vivid account of bringing a garden back to life underlines the importance of outdoor space for all. In 2020, Laing began to restore a walled garden in Suffolk, an overgrown Eden of unusual plants. This led to an exhilarating exploration of the concept of paradise and its associations with gardens, from John Milton’s Paradise Lost to a wartime sanctuary in Italy, resulting in a beautiful and informative account of the pleasures and possibilities of gardens.

Secret Garden Colouring Book by Johanna Basford, £12.99 

Part treasure-hunt, part colouring book, this special 10th anniversary edition of Secret Garden invites readers to colour the beautiful pen-and-ink illustrations by Johanna Basford. From intricate blooms to mazes to solve, this book is filled with drawings waiting to come to life. This edition features a fold out poster and brand new illustrations.

Hello Nature Activity Book by Nina Chakrabarti, £9.99

Explore and draw the great outdoors with Nina Chakrabarti’s Hello Nature Activity Book! This book is filled with questions and activities to delight both little ones and adults. What kind of dance does a bee do, and can you identify a tree from its leaves? Find out and learn about the weird and wonderful world of nature, whether you’re at a park or in the living room of your home.

Hello Nature Activity Cards by Nina Chakrabarti and Anna Claybourne, £12.99 

How is a frog different from a toad? And where can you find the Big Dipper? Explore the natural world around you using these new activity cards based on the book Hello Nature by Nina Chakrabarti. Containing 30 activities, from identifying a toad from a frog to making egg and cress sandwiches or constructing feather quill pens, these cards are jam-packed with fun for all the family. Perfectly sized to accompany those on the go, these cards are the ideal companion for a family trip, a walk in the woods, or just in your own backyard.

All About Mushrooms by Alice Pattullo, £9.99

Explore the weird and wonderful world of mushrooms, from the unique and funky stinkhorns to the beautiful ballerina wax caps! There are over 1.5 million known fungus species on our planet. From medicine to food, many cultures use the fantastical properties of mushrooms in day-to-day life. Including informative sections detailing the history of mushrooms in folklore to how mushrooms grow, Alice Pattullo celebrates the beauty, complexity and significance of the fungi kingdom.

The independent bookshop at Open Eye Gallery offers a curated selection of contemporary photographic works, independent publications, and creative tools for all ages. Our shop is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm (except exhibition changeover periods). Students can enjoy a 10% discount with a valid student card, and Arts Pass holders also receive additional discounts.

Text: Mariam Findler