Photograph of a group of plants in a garden setting including potted plants and a grass roller partially obscured on the left. Some of Bedford's studies of plants were shown at the Manchester Art Treasures Exhibition in 1857. The announcement that photographs were to be included in this exhibition on an equal footing with the more traditional fine arts was greeted with enthusiasm by photographers, who recognised the significance of the gesture. They had expected their work to be displayed with the 'mechanical arts' or as the productions of machines.