The Royal Horticultural Society has announced the launch of a brand-new limited-edition vase from valued RHS licensing partner Moorcroft, a renowned producer of heritage art pottery and a leading name in the world of ceramic design.
The new vase, from celebrated Moorcroft designer Nicola Slaney, is called Chelsea’s Choice and celebrates the extraordinary snow-white hydrangea that was awarded ‘Plant of the Year’ at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2018. Chelsea’s Choice launches at the 2019 show, which takes place from 21-25 May.
The vase, seven inches high and three inches across at the base, which is available in a highly collectable limited edition of only 35 pieces, comes in a brand-new shape. The bulbous vase is inspired by the shape of a bulb itself, complete with wide shoulders and body to hold the intricate detail of the award-winning hydrangea.
With its graceful weeping foliage, the award-winning snow-white hydrangea that inspired Chelsea’s Choice lends itself to placement in more unusual situations such as hanging baskets and raised border edges as well as the more usual garden beds. White flowers, some with a faint pink and green tinge, appear from late spring into autumn. Nicola Slaney lifted the delicate lace cap white flowers and placed them onto an ink-coloured dark background for a dramatic contrast.
Each of the 35 Chelsea’s Choice pieces will include Nicola Slaney’s designer monogram and full signature along with all Moorcroft backstamps of authenticity and the Royal Horticultural Society’s backstamp to show its official seal of approval.
At the RHS Chelsea Show the vase can be seen at the Moorcroft stand alongside other celebrated Moorcroft collaborations with the RHS, including the recent RHS Beatrix Stanley Collection, also designed by Nicola Slaney. The vase will also appear on the Moorcroft website from that week and at May Open Weekend at the Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre.
The method of creating each piece made by Moorcroft originated with William Moorcroft in 1897 and is almost exactly the same today. Supported by designs from the world-famous Moorcroft Design Studio and the skills of a dedicated workforce of artists, craftsmen and craftswomen, Moorcroft pottery sells all over the world.
Moorcroft and the RHS have collaborated a number of times in recent years, notably through Moorcroft show gardens, the – six designs, based on famous roses, appearing on vases, coasters and plaques – and the RHS Beatrix Stanley Collection, with designs based on the floral watercolour studies of the gardener and painter Lady Beatrix Stanley.
Catherine Gage, Director of Legal & Marketing, W Moorcroft Ltd, says: “The gorgeous snow-white hydrangea that was chosen as the 2018 Plant of the Year has inspired one of Nicola Slaney’s finest designs. We are delighted that Chelsea’s Choice is to be launched at RHS Chelsea 2019.
Cathy Snow, RHS Licensing Manager, says: “With its inaugural use of a brand-new vase shape and the inspiration gained from an RHS award-winning plant, this is a vase design that sets the bar high – and effortlessly meets it. This memorable design from a valued RHS partner will no doubt be a major talking point among all lovers of both art pottery – and beautiful plants – at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.”
