We are pleased to offer this event as part of our online Public Programme. Available as film only.
In anticipation of the Garden Museum’s upcoming Constance Spry exhibition in March 2021, Guest Curator Shane Connolly presented this talk looking at Spry’s approach to gardens and flowers. Shane used her wonderful books and images of her life and creations as a starting point.
The talk will be introduced with an in-conversation between Emma House (Garden Museum Curator) and Shane Connolly, talking about the process of curating such an exhibition.
Constance Spry opened her first flower shop, Flower Decoration, in 1929. Her revolutionary approach to floristry garnered widespread interest in high society, while also democratising the form, marrying traditional flowers of choice with ‘unusual’ and uncelebrated plant material like kale and pussy willow. Her influence can still be seen in floral design trends to this day.
Throughout her long successful career, Spry also opened a floristry school, a domestic science school, published thirteen books, and arranged the flowers for numerous royal occasions including at Westminster Abbey for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Speaker
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Shane Connolly
Shane Connolly
Floral designer Shane Connolly champions the use of seasonal British Grown Flowers and has written five books. The latest title, “Discovering the Meaning of Flowers”, explores the symbolism and language of flowers.
Shane designed the flowers for the Marriage of TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in 2005, and again for the Wedding of TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011. He proudly holds a Royal Warrant of Appointment to both HRH The Prince of Wales and HM The Queen.
