The Horticultural Society of London was founded in 1804 with the aim of advancing gardening in society at large. Prince Albert became President of the Society in 1858 and, before his premature death in 1861, made his last public appearance at the opening of the society’s garden in South Kensington. The gardens are commemorated in this watercolour, drawn for Queen Victoria. Leitch emphasises the recreational value of the gardens by placing a young family at the heart of the scene in the foreground.