New Exhibition Celebrates Floral Art and Design at Lotherton Hall

Exploring the influence of nature on art, design and fashion

A new exhibition at Lotherton Hall is showcasing the enduring appeal of floral motifs in art, design and fashion. Titled Botanically Beautiful: Art and Design Inspired by Nature, the exhibition highlights how flowers, fruits, leaves and trees have influenced a wide range of creative works throughout history.

Exhibition highlights

The display features a diverse collection of objects including ceramics, furniture, silverware and textiles, illustrating the many ways natural forms have been incorporated into decorative arts. Some notable items include:

• An 18th-century silk dress from Spitalfields, East London, known for its intricate floral fabric
• Dresses from the 1960s and 1970s featuring floral designs
• Wallpaper designs by William Morris, a prominent 19th-century designer and advocate of handmade production, renowned for his plant-inspired patterns
• Design work by Mary Morris, William Morris’s daughter, who was also a designer and embroiderer
• A silver pagoda epergne made by Thomas Pitts in 1759, topped with a pineapple symbolising hospitality; this type of table centrepiece was fashionable in the mid-18th century
• Furniture pieces by designers Voysey and Pugin
• Antique ceramics shaped like fruits, flowers and vegetables
• Modern works including an Andy Goldsworthy leaf sculpture, David Nash’s Tree of Life drawing, ceramicist Kate Malone’s Hedgerow vase, and a contemporary silver piece by Ndidi Ekubia

Context and activities

Assistant curator Caroline Newton explained that the exhibition demonstrates how nature has inspired some of the most influential designers across different periods. She noted the variety of interpretations of plant life in art and design, inviting visitors to consider how nature features in their own lives.

Alongside the exhibition, a programme of activities is available, including sculpture workshops, flower-making sessions and musical performances, all inspired by the collection.

Exhibition details

Botanically Beautiful: Art and Design Inspired by Nature is open at Lotherton Hall until 18 October 2026. It offers an opportunity to explore the relationship between the natural world and human creativity, particularly as spring brings new growth and blooms.

For further information, visit the Leeds Museums and Galleries website: Botanically Beautiful: Art and design inspired by nature.