RHS and Saatchi Gallery set to give Chelsea Flower Show a run for its money with Botanical Art and Photography Show

One of the UK’s leading gardening charities is proving to be more than just a one trick peony as Londoners get ready to celebrate all things floral this month.

Running parallel to the Chelsea Flower Show, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Saatchi Gallery present the return of their Botanical Art and Photography Show.

The show will feature more than 200 of the best botanical artwork and garden photography by 34 artists.

In celebration of these technical art forms, the show will include an array of intricate and scientifically accurate botanical illustrations by 15 artists.

The show at the Saatchi Gallery will be a continuation of the RHS Lindley Collections of more than 30,000 botanical paintings stretching back to the 1630s and heritage photographic images of gardens and gardening people starting in the 1860s.

The RHS’s botanical art collection continues to grow with the regular addition of gold medal standard pieces.

Portfolio collections from 19 photographers will all be a part of the upcoming show as each photographer competes for an RHS Medal – Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver or Bronze.

A panel of recognised experts, including leading botanical artists, photographers, teachers, and botanists, will judge the exhibits on display, assessing their accuracy, skill, and aesthetic appeal.

Laura C Uccello, director of partnerships at Saatchi Gallery, said: “We are thrilled to partner with the RHS to present this internationally recognised exhibition that celebrates contemporary art with an incredibly interesting scientific scope.

“We are impressed with the high standard of works presented for the 2021 edition and we are delighted to share this unique presentation with our visitors and members this autumn.”

Botanical art and photography help evidence trends and discoveries of plants popular in UK gardens today with pieces available to view throughout the year by appointment with the RHS.

Charlotte Brooks, art curator at the RHS, said: “We are excited to showcase some of the world’s best botanical art and photography at the Saatchi Gallery and for thousands of art lovers and avid gardeners to be given the opportunity to see their favourite plants in a new light.”

Accompanying the show will be a series of outreach projects for school and community groups including painting, drawing and print workshops intended to inspire a passion for botanical art and research.

Admission to this ticketed show is free for Saatchi Gallery Members and RHS Members.