Since Monday 23rd July 2012, anyone passing the walls of the south transept of Southwark Cathedral and looking up will have caught sight of a life-size moss man scaling its walls. Created by artist Chris Jones, who designed the Corgis at the entrance to this year’s Chelsea Flower Show to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, this sculpture announces to passers-by a Festival of Flowers this 23rd – 26th August 2012 in the Cathedral on the theme of transformation to celebrate the work of The Leprosy Mission.

This all-weather moss climber epitomises the theme of transformation in what will be a unique living floral art gallery. Taking place after the end of the Olympic Games and before the Paralympics, the floral displays by 85 top class designers will depict and link various aspects of transformation: transformations made to London for the Olympics, transformations of those who gained a place to compete in the 2012 Games and the transformations that The Leprosy Mission can help introduce into the lives of persons affected by leprosy, including those who are left with a disability or impairment as a result of having had this disease.

On his website Celebrity Flowers Mig Kempton describes being Artistic Director of this Festival of Flowers at Southwark Cathedral as “my biggest challenge to date”. His showpiece is named Eye of Wonder. Zita Elze, whose creative process is described as “painting with flowers”, has revealed that she wants to create a floral arrangement depicting Shakespeare lying on a carpet of flowers.

The idea to celebrate unrivalled talent in floral art whilst at the same time raising awareness about leprosy is the brainchild of Lisa-Jayne Lewis, one of their Regional Co-ordinators, who is a qualified  flower arrangement demonstrator.

 

Contact details: Charlotte Orson, Communications Officer: charlotteo@tlmew.org.uk
Website of The Leprosy Mission: http://www.leprosymission.org.uk/news_events/news/flowers.aspx

 

 

 

Categories: News and Notes