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Artists A-Z:

Including:
Charlie Adams
David Hier
James Sheriff
....and many other original artists.

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* Words: David Hier
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Dale Chihuly Exhibition
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Gardens of Glass: Dale Chihuly at the Royal Botanic Gardens

A Display of glass sculptures by Dale Chihuly [Gardens of Glass Exhibition].
A Display of glass Machia sculptures
by Dale Chihuly
[Gardens of Glass Exhibition].

Start: 28th May 2005
End: 15th January 2006

Gardens of Glass is a unique exhibition and the first of its kind to be held in Europe. The exotic planting at Kew's Royal Botanical Gardens provides an ideal backdrop for Dale Chihuly's bold and colourful glass sculptures.

Dale Chihuly is one of the better know characters in the world of contemporary glass. He has exhibited extensively throughout the United States as well as internationally. In recent years Chihuly has had significant exhibitions in Venice, Jerusalem, Iceland and Japan.

The glass sculptures of Dale Chihuly are characteristically organic and freeform, taking inspiration from the diversity of shape and colour present in the natural world. Chihuly's glass creations are perfectly suited to the botanical delights of Kew Gardens, and visitors can't
Crystals [detail], 2005.
Crystals [detail], 2005.
[Photo by Andrew McRobb]
help but become captivated by the juxtaposition of his work with the exotic plants that surround them.

Chihuly has often exhibited his work in natural environments and the organic aesthetics of his glass sculptures tend to stimulate an interesting dialogue between the natural and the man-made. This exhibition at Kew is no exception:

"I want my work to appear like it came from nature so that if someone found it, they might think it belonged there.......My forms are made in a very natural way so they look like they come from nature. they work in a greenhouse and work with plants because they don't really look like the plants that are there but they complement the plants that are there."

Dale Chihuly

One of the most interesting aspects of this exhibition is the effect that seasonal changes will have on both the planting and sculptural
Blue Herons by Dale Chihuly, 2005. [Photo by Andrew McRobb]
Blue Herons by Dale Chihuly, 2005.
[Photo by Andrew McRobb]
installations. It will be interesting to see how Chihuly's work evolves and transmutes in relation to the seasonal changes to the plants, trees and landscape of Kew gardens.

Chihuly is well known for his love of creating monumental sculptures, and this exhibition is no exception. Each sculpture is formed from hundreds of hand blown pieces, which have to carefully assembled on site.

The exhibition runs until the 15th of January and is open daily from 9.30 am [except 24th & 25th December].

The exhibition takes place at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, UK.

Open daily: 9.30am - 5.30pm (6.30pm Weekends and Bank Holidays).

For further information:

To learn more about Dale Chihuly, please visit www.chihuly.com

A Garden of Earthly Delights Tour

The Royal Botanical gardens will be offering guided tours throughout the duration of this exhibition. The tours are free with entry and take place on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They compare Dale Chihuly's bold organic glass sculptures with Kew gardens exotic plants and historic landscape.

Tours start from Victoria Gate Visitor Centre at 12pm and 3pm. They will run throughout June, July, August and September.

Tours are free with entry.

 

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