The Chelsea Flower Show 2013 has been and gone in lightning speed. From the submission of the original concept drawings last September 2012 through the preparation of stand and sculptures, to the build in early May through the show itself, it all seems to be part of a half remembered dream! My centrepiece, the Tree Climbing Lions of Lake Manyara, all 15 feet of it kept guard over the racing thoroughbreds as they ploughed through the stand. Flying swans, racing greyhounds and two foals completed the picture, everything seemingly on the move.
The backdrop for the stand was completely made from recycled materials, the dividing wall was made from old carpets, the stepping stones from recycled oil drums, the gazebo from old metal and driftwood. I put together a small video showing the making of the stand
The highlight of the show has to be the award's ceremony where I was awarded the Director General's award for the Best Tradestand! This is a new award presented for the first time this year. I received the award from Allan Titmarsh who spoke glowingly about my sculptures.
Johnny Kingdom, a naturalist and BBC wildlife presenter, attended the Monday press day and with very little coaxing jumped on "Frankely Inspiring" - allowing for a photo opportunity for the many West Country press that covered the epic event! Johnny is a great photographer and will be exhibiting a small number of his best photos alongside my sculptures in my November one man exhibition at Eton.