Last updated on August 16th, 2020
Who needs an Easter Egg hunt when you can spring around Kew Gardens in search of Dale Chihuly’s ludic glass sculptures? You’re going to need something larger than a basket in order to hop home with one of these 32 dazzling works of art which nestle amongst the flora or stand icily proud in 13 locations around the gardens. Prepare to be blown away by the world’s most famous glass trailblazer: Chihuly’s Reflections on Nature is a contemporary outdoor art gallery like no other.
Dale Chihuly’s Summer Sun radiates across Kew’s watery reflections.
The last time the 77-year-old Seattle-based artist exhibited at Kew was in 2005. Garden Cycle was one of the garden’s most popular exhibitions, attended by 900,000 visitors. Of course, that was in the pre-Instagram era, and as this is surely set to become one of the most Instagrammable events that London has ever seen, prepare to be Chihuly-saturated.
Dale Chihuly, Sappire Star
And it will be no easy task picking the one image you’re going to stick up on social media. This is an exhibition that will have you under its spell from the moment you walk through Victoria Gate, where you are welcomed by the spiky, ice blue dandelion-like Sapphire Star.
Chihuly’s glassy rods and Kew’s red-rose tulips perform a magical dance together. I’m wondering what Kew has choreographed next when the tulips fade. (No tulips were photo-shopped in the making of this image.)
Dale Chihuly Temperate House Persians
Many of the works in Reflections on Nature have never been seen in the UK and include a piece commissioned especially for the Kew Gardens exhibition. The dramatic Temperate House Persians is a 10-metre poppy blue sculpture which hangs from the ceiling, with glassy alien structures growing from the beds below.
Dale Chihuly Ethereal White Persian Pond
‘I want my work to appear like it came from nature, so that if someone found it on a beach or in the forest, they might think it belonged there.’ ~ Dale Chihuly
It takes 1,882 pieces to create the vibrant Scarlet and Yellow Icicle Tower.
Dale Chihuly Periwinkle Persian
The good news is, if you ask the Easter Bunny really nicely, you could bag yourself your own mini Chihuly for a few coins. I’ll take one Periwinkle Persian, please.
Dale Chihuly’s Macchia or ‘Uglies’ as he calls them
Dave Chihuly: Reflections on Nature is on until 27 October. The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art includes an exhibition of some of Chihuly’s most technically challenging series: Drawings, Rotolo and Seaforms. You can also experience the artist’s outdoor sculptures during Chihuly Nights with specially commissioned music, featuring wind instruments and the human voice to reflect Chihuly’s use of breath in creating his artworks.
More on Dale Chihiuly here and you can visit Kew Gardens here.
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23 Comments
Vyki from Museum Mum
May 3, 2019 at 10:32 amWow! We try to get to Kew a few times a year, and still haven’t done all of it – every visit is different. I don’t know Chihuly too well so I’ve enjoyed getting a taster in this post. I love the way the tulips and the sculptures almost dance together, it’s definitely choreographed. We’ll definitely make it back for this (and the new kids playground!) #CulturedKids
Scarlett
May 3, 2019 at 7:48 pmIt’s fantastic for the kids, my youngest loved it. The only thing missing was a picnic ?
Megan - Truly Madly Kids
May 1, 2019 at 1:27 pmThese look truly spectacular, I can’t wait to go and see these. Great photos, Scarlett. #culturedkids
Scarlett
May 1, 2019 at 3:59 pmThanks Megan!
FRANCESCA SPARACO
April 30, 2019 at 4:01 pmOMG I miss Kew Gardens, I haven’t been there since ages… Those installations are marvelous, even a more reason to visit it! #culturedkids
Scarlett
May 1, 2019 at 4:00 pmDefinitely Francesca, the installations are quite operatic!
Emma Raphael
April 29, 2019 at 8:54 pmI have to go before October!! Kew used to be my extended back Garden a few years back. So many happy memories there including my now 12 year old taking his first steps! 🙂 #CulturedKids
Scarlett
April 30, 2019 at 10:15 amWhat a wonderful memory, Emma. I hope you get to go back soon.
the Curious Pixie
April 29, 2019 at 3:36 pmSo beautiful. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Kew Gardens. Looks like a visit is due soon.
Scarlett
April 30, 2019 at 10:15 amDefinitely, Sima. It’s really quite fabulous.
Nell (Pigeon Pair and Me)
April 29, 2019 at 2:29 pmThe icicle tower’s my favourite. It reminds me a little of a bright feather duster I used to own. I love these – they’re so exuberant, but somehow they all seem familiar. Maybe it’s the shapes that make them seem like that? #CulturedKids
Scarlett
April 30, 2019 at 10:16 amYou’re so right, and now I won’t be able to look at it without thinking of a duster!
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays
April 28, 2019 at 8:14 pmThese look stunning, Kew beckons this summer! #CulturedKids
Usha Sitaaraam
April 27, 2019 at 5:20 pmI love Chihuly s work. I have been to his exhibition a few years back. I would love to see this display at Kew Garden. It has been a while since I have visited Kew Gardens. I particularly loved the Icicle tower. Thanks for sharing and the inspiration. #culturedkids
Scarlett
April 28, 2019 at 7:44 amIt’s on until October, and well worth a visit again!
scots2travel
April 27, 2019 at 11:21 amI love how organic and vibrant these sculptures are. They look fragile but must be pretty sturdy. Absolutely stunning. #culturedkids
Scarlett
April 28, 2019 at 7:43 amIt’s surprising how strong they are given the delicate nature of the works. They are mind-blowing.
Annabel
April 26, 2019 at 5:07 pmThis looks lovely! I particularly like the sculpture among the tulips. I rarely go to Kew as it always seems like such a trek from Hertfordshire but really should make the effort! #culturedkids
Scarlett
April 27, 2019 at 8:08 amThis is well-worth the effort, Annabel, especially when a picnic is involved!
Kirsty
April 26, 2019 at 11:08 amThese sculptures are breathtaking. It’s almost impossible to believe that they are made from glass. I’m so glad the exhibition is on for a while as it gives me time to go and see it for myself. #culturedkids
Scarlett
April 26, 2019 at 11:36 amIt’s incredible to think how they travel from Seattle over to London, with hardly any breakages!
Louise
April 22, 2019 at 9:24 pmThis is so pretty! I love it! I have only been to Kew one time a few years ago, but I would love to come back with little Clara! The only thing I probably won’t do again, is walking on that tree-top bridge. That was quite a scary experience!
Louise x
Scarlett
April 23, 2019 at 6:46 amAgreed! Don’t need to do that more than once. The Chihuly is amazing, hope you get there with Clara this summer.