Mr. Chamberlain’s Orchids

In collaboration with artist Matt Westbrook, we have developed ideas and research for the production of a touring LAB that will enable artist talks, demonstrations and workshops to be delivered from the display.

The self-supporting portable display structure enables the Chamberlain Highbury Trust to present project outcomes at large public events. The design has been informed by an existing pergola at the Highbury in Birmingham, using the same proportions and arch forms.

Integrated within the pavilion is a gridwall system to hang display material and orchids, the grid system is often used by orchid growers to simulate a tree canopy, and the orchid itself is a symbol of Chamberlain’s favoured flower and is synonymous with his political image.

Using our research in CNC fabrication, we proposed sheets of valchromat with colours selected to reference Nettlefolds screws packaging, due to connections that Chamberlain held with Nettlefolds.

This project was exhibited at ‘The International Orchid Conservation Conference 2019’ at Kew Gardens, and the ‘RHS International Orchid Show Malvern’ 2019.