Tim Smit: 18th October 2011

We're delighted to welcome Tim Smit to Chester to talk about his groundbreaking achievements at the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Tim was born in Holland and went on to read archaeology and anthropology at Durham University. After working for ten years in the music industry, he moved to Cornwall. He and John Nelson together 'discovered' and then restored the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Later Tim dreamt up and created the Eden project. Eden's mission is to change people's perception of the potential for and the application of science, by communicating and interpreting scientific concepts through the use of art, drama and storytelling, and to take a pivotal role in local regeneration. Its success can be judged by the facts: around 13 billion people have come to see what was once a sterile china clay pit turned into a cradle of life containing world-class horticulture and startling architecture; and Eden has contributed over £1 billion to the Cornish economy.

Tim has received a variety of national awards including The Royal Society of Arts Albert Medal. In 2002 he was awarded an Honorary CBE in the New Year’s Honours List and he has received Honorary Doctorates and Fellowships from a number of universities. In January 2011 he was appointed an honorary Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE). He lives in Fowey, Cornwall and in his free time he enjoys reading, film, music and art.

Supported by the Royal Geographical Society