A garden of unexpected delights

The ‘Glory of the Garden’ show at the Arts Forum continues until Tuesday 11 September, and it’s a show that is well worth exploring, writes Erica Smith.

Group shows with a theme always provide some delightful surprises and the contributors, including well-established artists like Bruce and Annie Rae, plus invited guests from beyond the normal boundaries of the ‘art world’, such as paper-sculptor Freya Von Trapp, milliner Caroline Morris (pictured left) and floristry from Kari Allen and Bobo’s Marcie, make sure this is no ordinary flower show.

Jersey Tiger Moth © Helen Hunt

Perhaps the unexpected stars of the show are Helen Hunt’s rather eery moths. A whole wall is dedicated to these beautiful mixed media artworks. Like a Victorian cabinet of curiosities, Hunt has rendered larger-than-life studies of British moths onto the covers and pages of antiquarian books, end-papers and covers. The hand-marbled patterns are carefully chosen to camouflage the moths that have spread their wings across the pages. You can see more on her website.

Annie Rae’s illustrations combine pencil and explosive watercolour with a delicate touch and gentle humour. In comparison, Ray McChrystal’s use of watercolour is almost fauvist, offering a wild touch to the garden theme (pictured left), and Serena Thirkell’s world of metallic flora and fauna have been painted in glorious primaries. Her flowerbed of bicycle gear botanicals (main image) are an excellent centrepiece to Gallery Two.

Other surprises include a series of vibrant collaged works by Harry Snook, a giant woodcut by Emily Johns and some beautiful garden drawings by invited artist Di Hope. I was happily led down the garden path by this talented collection of creatives. I recommend you follow in my footsteps.

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