RHS, Moorcraft Grow Second Pottery Collection

RHS Garden Bridgewater, the Royal Horticultural Society’s fifth Garden, opened on May 18. As part of the celebrations, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced the launch of two brand-new collections of limited-edition art pottery from RHS licensing partner Moorcroft.

“These collections again highlight the skill of the Moorcroft design team through a synthesis of nature and craft in perfect harmony,” says Cathy Snow, licensing manager, RHS. “We are delighted to be continuing this association with Moorcroft, which continues to surprise and delight.”

One collection is inspired by the new garden itself. The second collection – the RHS Fiori Bottan Collection – is inspired by 45 17th century Italian watercolors that are part of the 25,000 images in the RHS Lindley Collections of botanical art.

Two vases have been specially made to mark the opening of RHS Garden Bridgewater. The first, called Bridgewater’s Bounty, celebrates the link that the newest RHS garden has with the former residence on the site, Worsley New Hall.

A flower coming from Southern Africa is the inspiration for the name and design of the second vase, called Nerines. The RHS holds a national collection of nerines within its Walled Garden.

Both vases were designed by Emma Bossons, a member of the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts, who has been responsible for many Moorcroft limited editions over the years.

“Moorcroft’s RHS collaborations are always special, but helping the RHS to celebrate the opening of its wonderful new garden has been a real honor,” says Elise Adams, managing director, Moorcroft. “The RHS can always offer strong artistic inspiration and RHS Garden Bridgewater and the treasures of the RHS Lindley Collections have certainly inspired two truly memorable collections. At a time when so many of us have been affected by the global pandemic, to enjoy nature in all its forms, whether by gardening or with art pottery in our homes, is more important than ever before.”