Paradise in Plasticine
Paradise in Plasticine
Designed by James May, Chris Collins, Jane McAdam Freud and Julian Fullalove
James has dreamt up a sculpted art installation, inspired by nature's variety and fecundity, and framed in the guise of a mystical secret garden from the dreamscape of childhood. Art imitates life in its most alluring forms, yet is not constrained by the rigours of season, climate or geography.
It is the work of a complete cross-section of British society, from children who have never handled the material, through war veterans who remember it when it was still the latest thing, to professional model-makers who spend little time with anything else.
This is, to our knowledge, the largest and most complex model of this type ever created. It is presented here to rekindle a sense of true magic.
Design inspiration
"Ever since William Harbutt, a teacher, invented Plasticine in the late 19th century, it has been endlessly used to model things like small penguins in bow ties, or an unconvincing two-inch-high Eiffel Tower.
It's high time the full expressive breadth of this modelling medium was revealed."
James May
Your comments
Comments
I think it is a wonderful garden. James has done a great job. I makes me want to be a kid again and start making things
I personally think its brilliant, something a bit different. I also love all the other gardens but I adore this one its so quirky.
I saw on the BBC coverage last night thats the RHS had a Plastacine Gold medal which i think is great
We loved the garden and everybody looking at it when we were there seemed to as well. It is one of those gardens you need to study as there are so many little touches, frog on the lily leaf or snails in the cauliflowers etc.
As a previous poster said, so many show gardens use out of season plants or other materials I see no problem with one garden like this.
Some of the comments to be expected but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing James' garden - thought it one of the most colourful ones there. Perhaps some of the more "traditional" designers should take inspiration from this garden!
Anything that encourages children outside is a positive, I love it! I teach Art and run an animation club, this has certainly given me some ideas for their next project, starting with photographing real flowers and plants to work from, well done to James and the people who contributed to this!
What an amazing achievement! James has managed to get everyone talking and commenting on his exceptional garden, fresh, fruity and floral. What more can you ask for. Well done
I think this is a real fun garden. Gardens should be places people enjoy and I am sure lots of people have enjoyed this one.
Brilliant, he got a 'Plasticine gold', only one in the world, you just keep on amazing us RHS! Well done james and co.!
About this garden
Special Letter
An unusual award for an unusual garden.
Downloads
Also at Chelsea
2010 small gardens
Visit the 2010 small gardens page to explore all the Urban and Courtyard gardens.
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Funny, exciting and quite charming, if I had to sum your garden up in just one word, that word would be "magical". Please, someone, find somewhere to put it on permanent public display.
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