Rheged’s Summer exhibition In Bud & Bloom is now officially open to the public.
Open daily until Sunday October 5, In Bud & Bloom showcases over 220 works by 43 UK artists – 13 from Cumbria – across 21 mediums.
Contributions come from as far afield as Florence, Berlin and Lithuania.
From intricate paper, ceramic and textile art to bold sculpture and immersive installations, the exhibition explores how artists engage with flowers both visually and symbolically.
In Bud & Bloom is a vibrant showcase of contemporary works of national and international significance. Highlights include artists featured at the Saatchi Gallery, RHS Chelsea Flower Show, and RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, alongside botanical pieces on loan from the historic Chelsea Physic Garden.
It also continues Rheged’s commitment to, and tradition of, celebrating Cumbria. The journey begins with nine of the region’s renowned gardens, Acorn Bank, Blackwell, Brantwood, Dalemain House, Hill Top, Hutton in the Forest, Holehird, Lowther Castle, Muncaster Castle, many holding national collections.
Visitors will explore the floral influences of the Arts and Crafts movement in Cumbria, reflected in garden and interior design by Morris & Co and Baillie Scott.
Gallery curator and manager Claire Harrison said: “Our goal was to create a vibrant, immersive experience that celebrates the relationship between art and the natural world.
“Few subjects inspire artists quite like flowers and gardens, and here in Cumbria, we’re surrounded by some truly remarkable ones.
“In Bud & Bloom brings together 43 incredible artists – 41 of whom are women – each exploring the symbolic, emotional, and cultural meanings of flowers through a diverse range of materials and perspectives.”
The exhibition spans painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, and mixed media, with many works available to buy.
Themes explored include the language of flowers – known as floriography, and the symbolic powers of plants.
A hands-on paper flower-making activity for children is also available.
It is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm. Tickets are £3 (under-12s free).
