When stylist Selina Lake contacted me about her forthcoming project, I was very excited to hear her plans. Selina explained she had been commissioned to style the Alitex greenhouses at RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. If you’re not familiar with their greenhouses, you must have a look, they are seriously stunning! Think National Trust and Kew.
Selina is well known for her botanical styling and was the perfect choice for the challenge. She explained how she planned to create a show stopping Floral Party inside the larger greenhouse and an entomology theme in the other greenhouse, hopefully highlighting the importance of bees and garden insects.
If you’re familiar with my work, my Field Study and Busy Bee designs were the perfect choice for the entomology theme. When Selina asked if my fabrics could be made up as cushions and used as part of the display, I was already reaching for the needle and thread.
Setting-to on my trusty old sewing machine I made the cushions, packed them up and sent them on their way. But things don’t always go smoothly behind the scenes and the cushions went missing. With deadlines looming, I thought the only thing to do was to make up more cushions. And with the help of our local courier, Knights Delivery, they were driven up personally on the same day; the cushions arrived on time!
After all Selina’s careful planning, the Alitex stand was awarded 5 stars form the show organisers. It’s such a boost for my small studio to have been a part of the display that captured the imagination of show judges and visitors alike. Here are some photos that will give you a flavor of the display.
You can read more about everyone involved in bringing together the 5 star award winning Alitex stand here.
Photos by Julia Currie Photography and Lorna Syson