New Great Pavilion of Art and Flowers showcases how the world of horticulture has inspired artists to stunning heights.
NEW this year, the Great Pavilion of Art and Flowers celebrates how the world of horticulture has inspired, and continues to inspire, artists throughout the centuries.
Floral Art will be the main feature of the marquee with 150 exhibits across a range of classes, alongside the British Cut Flower Growers Area hosting a range of talented florists, including Jonathan Moseley, as they create displays to showcase the art of floristry.
A bijou Flowertalk Theatre will host daily talks and demos on the art of flower arranging from selected experts including Nick Grounds and Carolyn Dunster.
THE THREE FLYING MORGANS CENTREPIECE
Showing just how horticulture can inspire great heights of creativity, the pavilion’s remarkable airborne floral centrepiece is being crafted by celebrated floral designer Jonathan Moseley.
Suspended from the roof, three miniature classic Morgan cars will be festooned with scarlet Anthuriums, golden Sunflowers and burnt orange Alstroemeria alongside sculptural Strelitzia, elegant Eremurus and a riot of roses in shades of gold, burnt oranges, rich tangerine and burgundy reds.
Jonathan said: “Inspired by speed and style, I am delighted to be creating this spectacular suspended floral installation in the exciting new pavilion at RHS Malvern. This area of the show focuses on the best of style, both traditional and contemporary. Working with sculptural exotic flowers, fused with locally grown seasonal blooms, this unique floral display will spill opulently from within an iconic Morgan Roadster, with three miniature cars flying above. My design is all about style, drama and excitement.”
BRITISH CUT FLOWER GROWERS
British cut flower growers and artisan florists continue to play a significant role at RHS Malvern. Taking inspiration from the Great Exhibition theme for this year’s festival, British growers including Freddie’s Flowers, Flowers from the Farm and Urban Flowers will celebrate plant heritage and incorporate elements of 1851 into a modern creation.
FLORAL ART
Stunning floral exhibits will once again showcase the pinnacle of amateur floral design. All class titles are inspired by the Great Exhibition theme, evoking the endeavours of the inventive Victorians in this grand undertaking of 1851.
Floral arrangements for The Great Exhibition class are more than three metres in size, whilst those for Cameo are miniature masterpieces – each less than 10 centimetres. The classes include floral chandeliers in the Crystal Palace class, elaborate hats for Victorian Splendour, and still-life exhibits for Painted Porcelain. A modern twist on the age of ingenuity can be seen in Innovation, British Design and A ‘Light Bulb’ Moment.
MUSEUM OF ROYAL WORCESTER
As an homage to horticulture, unique exhibits from the Museum of Royal Worcester will demonstrate the vital role that plants have played in inspiring their ceramic artists.
Classic pieces will be on display for visitors to admire alongside featured highlights of Royal Worcester’s presence at the original Great Exhibition.
Museum Director Amanda Savidge said: “Royal Worcester exhibited at the Great Exhibition in 1851 and the factory artists are famed for their exquisite reproduction of English flora and fauna. The Great Pavilion of Art and Flowers at RHS Malvern forms the perfect backdrop to display their skills and pay tribute to their works.”
Live talks and demonstrations by former factory artists will tell tales of the intricate skills of the decorators and the camaraderie and rivalry that existed between departments.
COTTAGE IN THE WOOD LOUNGE
Located in the heart of the pavilion is the Cottage in the Wood Lounge. Visitors can enjoy a unique dining experience with an imaginative selection of tasting dishes produced with fresh and local ingredients by Head Chef Mark Redwood. Showing how flowers can also influence mixologists, they’ll be serving up carefully crafted floral cocktails.
Book your tickets now for RHS Malvern Spring Festival, which takes place from Thursday 10 May until Sunday 13 May.