Crumplehorn Studios are delighted to announce that, in partnership with Jacqueline Darnell of www.jdarnell.co.uk, they will be exhibiting a collection of garden sculptures at the 2006 Chelsea Flower Show.

The event takes place 22nd - 28th May 2006 and will include a new series of ceramic bird sculptures and mosaic pieces in addition to the Irish coin collection in bronze and ceramic finish, as they appear here.

The sculptures by both artists are designed for exhibit in an outdoor location, in parks and gardens as well as indoor galleries. The materials are weather-proof and of very high quality [aluminium resin, high-fired clay, cast bronze]. The work complements the garden from two angles: wildlife imagery and formal sculpture. This celebrates the wealth and diversity of the garden, bringing enjoyment to satisfy many tastes. The wildlife works are both realistic and abstract; commemorative plaques constitute the more classical high-relief sculptures. This Fine Art approach makes use of formal elements culminating in sculpture that is figurative and representational, creating striking contours amid the full and feathered foliage of the planting.

During the flower show, all work will be available for commissioning. The artists will be available to discuss themes of commissioned work before materials are selected. Only a sample of items will be held at the Show and will be stored overnight in lockable and disguised storage areas concealed in the plinths used for the exhibits.

The design of the garden space is intended to be simple and easily accessed. A draft view shows a simple entrance/exit footpath that leads people to each of the main exhibits.

It is intended to reflect the minimalist décor of an art gallery:  products on light-coloured plinths and walls adorned with a palette of whites, creams and pale greys of plants, ornamental grasses and ivies. The garden will be arranged to provide focus to the exhibits and to give interested parties enough space for viewing. The dark, stone path provides a visual contrast and an enticing thoroughfare leading the viewer comfortably around. Our intention is to use a brick wall on two sides of the garden to hang the relief-sculpted work. Other sides of the garden will consist of trellis and planted backdrops for plinth-mounted sculptures. In summary, the marriage of the minimalist white space of a gallery combines with the intimate dynamics of a garden.

This figure shows a computer-generated image of the intended layout.

Section of Chelsea Red square shows our plot

The Artists

Jacqueline Darnell

 Jacqueline grew up on a small-holding in Wales where she developed her affinity for wildlife and domestic animals. Since completing Degrees in Art and Science, Jacqueline has worked as an artist. She likes to observe wildlife in its natural habitat and her work is inspired and informed by her first-hand experience of studying animal behaviour.

Jacqueline has exhibited and sold her sculptures at a number of outdoor venues around the country including Savill Gardens, Wisley Gardens, Borde Hill, Denbies Vineyard, Painshill Park and Polesden Lacey. Her artwork has also been exhibited at Christies and the Mall Galleries in London and also in Nairobi, Kenya.

Jacqueline is a member of several art societies and organizations including Marwell International Wildlife Art Society and the Society of Wildlife Artists, which has recently presented her with an award for her wildlife sculpture.

Annette Crump

Annette began her professional work in Ireland after completing her Diploma in Fine Art, B.A. Hons. in Sculpture and P.G.C.E. in Art and Design from colleges and art schools in Dublin, London and Yorkshire. She moved her studio to London permanently in 1998 and started her company ‘Crumplehorn’ (www.crumplehorn.com). She creates a wide range of ceramic giftware and has expanded into Fine Art for gardens during the last few years.

Annette’s work has been exhibited in the following galleries: Hannah Peschar Gallery, Surrey; Royal Hibernian Academy Gallery, Dublin; Royal Dublin Society. Her awards include First Prize in Alternative Metals, Best Newcomer CCOI Showcase, 1987 (Crafts Council of Ireland) and commissions from the Commissioning Gallery, Dublin. Additionally, Annette has worked in education for many years and has also worked in industry as a mold maker. 

 Relevant show experience

 Jacqueline, with three other members of Studio 76, exhibited at the Hampton Court Flower Show 2005. The successful stand, which was based around the theme of a “cottage garden”, attracted a large number of visitors and was awarded a Certificate of Commendation for its high quality of presentation by the RHS Shows Sundries Panel.

The stand, which feature sculptures by four artists, was planned and designed by Jacqueline. The stand featured extensive planting, combined with innovative materials and a sympathetically designed wall to display the sculptures.

With Studio 76 now defunct, Annette and Jacqueline are collaborating to present their works together to the public. Both are professional, established artists and have worked together on a number of exhibitions at the Fusion Arts organisation in Kingston-Upon-Thames.

The design put forward in this proposal will build on the experience gained at Hampton Court. By focusing on the work of two artists, the stand will present a more coherent range of work and the design will integrate the planting and sculpture to provide a more inviting experience to the public.