Gardens of Glass – Adrienne bush

 

Gardens of Glass

 

So where does a colour palette originate from?  Where can you find inspiration for your latest collection that truly recognises your own handwriting yet sets the collection apart in the market place?  Adrienne Bush, American correspondent, recently visited the beautiful gardens of Kew Gardens and found an over abundant supply of innovative concepts to supply true art inspiration at the exhibition Gardens of Glass open from 28 May 2005 to 15 January 2006.

 

 

 

Looking out at the beautiful flowers in Kew Gardens it is hard to imagine any additions could make it better until you spot the colourful glass objects at the Garden of Glass exhibition, jutting out in an array of different areas cleverly attracting prisms of light. Words and photographs could not do this exhibit justice. Kew Gardens consists of acres of wooded gardens running along the rivers edge. Benches sitting beneath the shade of the trees seem to invite you to bring a picnic lunch and have a leisurely day. The flowers, trees, greenhouses, and palaces would be magnificent on their own but the power Dale Chihuly’s glass sculptures have is amazing.

 

The colours of the glass reflect the hues of the summer flowers growing in the gardens while adding in new dimensions of colour and light.  The blood red and sunshine yellow glass trees that frame the Palm House are the same warm colours that will be appearing in stores this fall. Chihuly also incorporates the aqua blue that is so popular in clothing this season. As you explore the green houses and flower beds it is almost like stepping into Wonderland with Alice. Giant multicoloured glass balls hang from the ceiling; ornate chandeliers cover each doorway, while elements of colour jump out among the lush green foliage.

 

 

The detail and precision that went into creating the Gardens of Glass exhibit is breathtaking. Each portion of the exhibit was given careful consideration in terms of placement, colour, size, and how the objects could be incorporated into their surroundings. Designers must consider similar criteria when creating new garments in terms of their structure, details, and colour. Each element electrically fits in with the surroundings, but it does not have to match perfectly and co-ordinate to create an overall appealing look.

 

Some of the exhibits are small spikes or vase shaped objects placed in the middle of plants, others are elaborate full scale creations. Floating on top of the lake are bright glass Walla Wallas that move along like the fish and ducks that live there. There is also a Thames skiff filled with vibrant, varying glass sculptures. The combination of the green and brown foliage with the colourful glass creations is reminiscent of the designs in stores and on the street this summer. Vibrant, saturated colours are also reflective of the eighties influence current in fashion. Nature has always influenced fashion, and now the introduction of glass element into the gardens will inspire more creations.

 

The exhibit contains 25 installations around the gardens. The shapes and colours are capable of inspiring elaborate creations from every designer. Kew gardens are open from 9:30am to 6:30 pm daily.  For further details please call +44(0) 20 8332 5655 or visit http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ for more information.

 

By Adrieene Bush