From the outside, the Garden Museum looks like an abandoned old church which has been taken over by a community of glorious plants. The Museum which is situated in Lambeth is a botanical haven in central London and is currently playing host to an exhibition that is exploring the link between fashion design and gardens in Britain.
The show, curated by Nicola Schulman, sister to Alexandra, editor-in-chief of british vogue, was much smaller than I was expecting but did not disappoint on content. On display are garden designs, drawings, paintings and clothes from the seventeenth-century to today.
Everything from brogues to tweed have their origins in gardening. On display are some exquisitely embroidered gloves and shoes from the eighteenth-century, much of which was influenced by garden design patterns.
All on display are fashion pieces which would be more recognisable to contemporary fashionistas. These include a pair of Vivienne Westwood platforms which I have had my eye on for the past two years, as well as designs by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and Burberry. Also on display is one of Philip Treacy’s spectacular orchid hats.
This exhibition is small but mighty and should certainly be visited before it ends. Even just to wander round the rest of the museum, which I promise is a real treat.
Fashion and Gardens is on display at the Garden Museum until 27 April