Notes & News
Editorial Feature
While many of us will be watching the beautifully designed gardens unfold on BBC coverage each evening, I’ll also be wandering the show in search of the artisans behind the craftsmanship, sculpture and thoughtful details that make RHS Chelsea feel so distinctive.
Beyond the planting schemes and floral displays, one of the things I love most about RHS Chelsea is its support of independent makers and artisan businesses. It feels fitting that alongside the show gardens are carefully curated stands filled with handcrafted goods, beautifully made objects and thoughtful pieces designed to be enjoyed long after the show itself ends.
This year, I’m particularly looking forward to seeing what artisans are exhibiting and discovering which gardens feature handcrafted elements woven into their designs. There’s always so much inspiration to take in, from sculptural pieces and outdoor décor to tableware and summer living products.
One stand I’m especially excited to visit is that of glassware designer Emma Britton, who joined me on The Artisan Founder podcast last year. Emma will be showcasing new additions to her Floral Glassware collection, including highball and bistro glasses etched with iris, foxglove and lupin designs. They look perfectly suited to long afternoons in the garden and are firmly on my wish list.
I’m also looking forward to catching up with the founders of heirloom seed company She Grows Veg, who have such creativity when it comes to stand design, and discovering what’s new from Norfolk Natural Living’s ever-growing scent collections, and hopefully meeting some of our previously featured founders in person for the very first time.
In a challenging economic climate it is encouraging seeing independent artisans represented at an event as iconic as RHS Chelsea. Craftsmanship, originality and thoughtful making still have an important place alongside large-scale design and commercial gardening culture, and I for one will be there, quite literally waving the flag. (My not-so-subtle plan is to gather as many branded shopping bags from the artisan traders as I can carry, and photo bomb any camera I can find).
If you’re heading to RHS Chelsea too this year, I hope you’ll take the time to support some of the independent artisan businesses exhibiting there too. Bringing home something crafted by an independent maker, no matter how small, feels like a lovely way to remember the show.
I’ll be sharing some of my favourite artisan discoveries after the event next week.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show, held on the banks of the River Thames in London, is the world’s most famous flower show and aims to inspire, educate and excite visitors about horticulture.
The Artisan Founder Sunday Newsletter
Notes & News
Notes & News
