Exhibitors
Chic gardens
Marcus Barnett & Philip Nixon
The Gallery Outside
Designers: Marcus Barnett and Philip Nixon
Contractor: Landform Consultants Ltd
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The idea is to create a private exhibition space displaying a collection of photography within a small garden; here the collection is of portrait photography by photographer Lord Lichfield. The photographs are mounted on the walls in back-lit glass panels.
The design is chic and contemporary and combines modern materials and construction with a simple and architectural planting design.
The photography concept is echoed in the materials used in the garden’s construction. Contrast is as pivotal in this garden as it is in photography - the aim being to draw attention to the idea of positive and the negative. White rendered walls with framed corrugated steel panels provide a striking backdrop. In stark contrast to the walls and repeating the idea of image reflection, dark water pools reflect the plants. Smooth polished concrete frames the pools and the planting beds and unifies the hard elements.
The signature perennial will be Iris in a blend of deep shades of purple and contrasting stark white. The multi-stemmed tree lifts the design as well as the visitor’s eye and provides dappled shade.