'Splashback-ing' out at RHS Chelsea Flower Show
RHS Chelsea Flower Show Splashback orders still land on my desk even a couple of years after the first show I did in 2019. Read on for my reflections on that show an my conscious splashback design that launched there, Rain Garden.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Without a doubt, RHS Chelsea represented a moment in time for Emma Britton Decorative Glass. A chance put myself out there to a relevant worldwide audience and present my signature style on a word famous stage. Nine years of ‘doing what I love’ and serious dedication got me to this point. For that reason, it was an honour to be selected by the RHS to exhibit. Having my ‘Willow & Red Admiral’ Splashback included in the prestigious show guide was a really unexpected bonus.
Loving the Florals
My experience at RHS Chatsworth & Tatton in 2018 set a tone for the reception I knew I’d get from horticulture lovers for my work at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. But Chelsea visitors really took the enthusiasm for my work to another level. It was incredibly exciting to meet so many wonderful people from across the world. And interact with people genuinely making a connection with my contemporary florals. The conversations were real about the possibilities for interiors, from small bathroom spaces to kitchens of dreams.
A sustainable message for RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Making the most of the experience in a way that extended beyond the aesthetics of pattern design was important to me for something show stopping. Sustainability and climate change was at the heart of 2019 RHS Chelsea and I wanted to underpin these themes in my stand presentation. Drawing on the pure plant expertise of Radio 4’s Matthew Biggs, I was able to create a pattern design with a conscience. ‘Rain Garden’ focuses on plants that are able to both survive and thrive during climate change. The result was a 2m+ tall bespoke panel featuring Foxtail Lilies and delicate Grasses, amongst other varieties (see below). It is a design of both beauty and hope for the future as we adapt to our changing environment. It is just the beginning of new possibilities for my GLASSHOUSE Collection.
Rain Garden Glass Splashback
‘Rain Garden’ was also conceived to show the creativity that is possible in bathroom design and how people can approach it. I wanted to nurture the thought that colour and fabulous florals can achieve an on trend, calm and contemporary look. Painterly elements overlaid with copper leaf offset against Pantone’s #ColourOfTheYear, #LivingCoral, salmon and orange are the essential elements of the design
Working with the Master Craftsmen at William Holland
The best compliment to my ‘Rain Garden’ design and vision of modern bathroom was a bespoke William Holland Petit Bateau Bath. Made exclusively for me by their Master Craftsmen in Dorset and lent to me for the show, these baths are works of art, made from sustainably sourced pure copper. Best of all, they are a like-minded business valuing both luxury and sustainability so our collaboration was something special.
Weleda Stand Planting
Partnering with Weleda again was a joy. In fact, I can’t thank them enough for their care and attention to my stand planting. A slice of their Derbyshire grown organic meadow was my unique offering to RHS Chelsea. Whoever you are and whatever you do, planting is a must. I don’t think I did badly for a first-timer – 3 stars for presentation.
Collaboration
Working collaboratively with leading ethical and artisan brands I admire – Weleda and William Holland, on my stand presentation; re-connecting with people I’ve previously worked with and exciting new people about my work made Chelsea such a rewarding experience on every level.
What next?
So, what next? Well, right now, my studio is a hothouse of prepping and sending homewares for people that couldn’t carry items back from the show. True to their word, they went home and ordered from me online. Thank you! I’m baking splashback samples like hotcakes and working on some lovely new enquires for collection and bespoke order splashbacks. The ability to ‘step it up’ is what it’s all about when you’re growing an independent business like mine. If the past week is anything to go by, I’ll be burning the midnight oil for some time yet!
RHS Chelsea Flower Show Highlights
Chelsea wasn’t all about me, I’ll leave you with some of my absolute highlights from the show:
Early morning starts = Colicci Coffee LIFE and being crowd free for a moment. The feeling of gardens waking up and coming to life. If you ever get the chance to see Chelsea ‘pre-doors’ – you absolutely MUST!
So much history and heritage. The Chelsea Pensioners who endear themselves to all that they meet and who so proudly wear that pop of unmistakeable red.
Kirsty (Allsop Queen of Craft) popping by for a chat and genuinely loving the new meadow design on my screen-printed carafes.
The Queen. And keeping it in the family with Kate’s ‘Back to Nature’ Garden.
Aeroponics and Hydroponics are the future. ‘Gardening Will Save The World’. Great job Ikea and Tom Dixon – it should have been a gold.
All the environmentally thoughtful innovation. Check out these Husk Homewares.
Nothing going to waste. Plants for adoption. The House of Wayward Plants. #reuse #recyle
Just wow daffodils in May. How do they do that? #daffodils
All about the bees with the brilliant McQueens Flowers
Steambending heaven thanks to Tom Raffield. #Cornwall
Mindful spaces. ‘The Dubai Majlis Garden’. Stunning.
CAMFED – giving girls in Africa space to grow, educating and empowering girls as leaders of change. #strongwomen #thefutureisfemale #femaleentrepreneurs
Wallgarden Playhouse complete with miniature Aga. Perfect for a tiny splashback!
The most incredible embroidery I’ve ever seen Amanda Cobbett.
Great neighbours and comrades in fellow show exhibitors Ixia Flowers and Husk.
Hope. The Forestry Commission: ‘Resilience Garden’.
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