Could you design a gate fit for royalty?
Three Counties have launched a creative new competition to design the gates for the Platinum Jubilee Garden – the soon to be launched garden at the Showground for 2022, to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s seventy years on the throne.
The new Platinum Jubilee Garden will be situated at the heart of the showground, with the magnificent Malvern Hills as its backdrop. The garden seeks to create a lasting reminder of her reign and will feature some of Her Majesty’s favourite plants and shrubs, as well as ones named in her honour.
Shows Manager, Jane Edwards said:
“We’re delighted that our Platinum Jubilee Garden will become a permanent feature garden for visitors to enjoy for many years to come at Three Counties. The plants, shrubs and trees in the garden have been carefully selected either because they’ve been named for Her Majesty the Queen or because they are particular favourites of hers. The garden will be planted and cared for by our Head Gardener, Steve Kilminster along with our two apprentice gardeners, Kierran P and Theo Clifford. Kierran and Theo are both studying landscaping at Pershore College and plan to use this special project as part of their coursework towards their landscaping qualifications.”
Entrants are being asked to create a memorable design for the gates which will form the entrance to the garden. This is a unique opportunity for a craftsman to design and create gates which will stand as a lasting tribute and celebration of the Platinum Jubilee. Their work will be seen by the thousands of visitors welcomed to the Showground each year.
The gate design should reflect the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, celebrating and honouring her exceptional service and devotion to the country, Commonwealth, and the world. The gates will form the threshold between the bustle of the Showground and everyday life into the calming beauty and tranquility of the garden. On opening the gates, visitors will be led in to experience the beautiful sights, smells, and ambience of this extraordinary oasis.
Gates should be constructed of metal and will be fixed to the dry-stone walls around the garden. Designers are encouraged to use any combination of blacksmithing techniques and to consider provenance of materials and labour.
Entries should be on hardcopy or pdf format and submitted by Tuesday 19 April. The budget is £4,000 and cost to manufacture the commission should be included. Entry forms can be requested from Samantha Jones, Samantha.jones@threecounties.co.uk.
Illustration credit: Mark Glynn Jones