Tate Britain is set to unveil a captivating new garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of its iconic space. This preview garden, designed by Tom Stuart-Smith, serves as a tantalizing taste of the upcoming Clore Garden, scheduled for completion in 2027. It's a transformative project that promises to redefine the museum's Millbank entrance and surrounding areas, offering a unique blend of art, nature, and innovative design.
One of the standout features is the centerpiece, Bicentric Form, a 1949 sculpture by Barbara Hepworth, the first work acquired by Tate. Stuart-Smith's design contrasts the sculpture's dark, smooth stone with bold textures and forms, paying homage to Hepworth's progressive approach to garden art. This thoughtful curation sets the tone for the entire garden, which will showcase a diverse range of sculptures, from classic modern to contemporary, each in harmonious dialogue with its carefully selected planting.
The garden also incorporates sustainable and recycled elements, such as existing stone from the Millbank site repurposed as paving and a central bench cast from reused materials, including locally sourced cockleshells from the Thames Estuary. This eco-friendly approach adds a layer of depth to the garden's narrative, reflecting Tate Britain's commitment to environmental responsibility.
In terms of plant life, the garden previews species that will thrive in London's changing climate, including Mediterranean fig trees and foliage like Schefflera shweliensis, native to the Eastern Himalayas. A wildlife pond further enhances the natural habitat, creating a diverse and captivating ecosystem.
Tate Britain's director, Alex Farquharson, emphasizes the garden's transformative impact, describing the current state of the museum's entrance as 'awful' and 'manky.' The new garden will not only improve the visitor experience but also reframe the building, creating a harmonious relationship between art and nature.
The project is funded by the Clore Duffield Foundation, the Julia Rausing Trust, and Project Giving Back, a grant-giving charity dedicated to supporting gardens for good causes. As part of this initiative, Living Gardens, a year-long free display, will open on June 15, featuring works inspired by horticulture, including pieces by artists like Derek Jarman and Christine Kühlenthal.
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show garden, located at site 324 on Main Avenue, will be on display until May 23. This preview offers a unique opportunity to witness the fusion of art, nature, and innovative design, setting the stage for the much-anticipated Clore Garden at Tate Britain.
