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The art of the hand: George Saumarez Smith's design for Country Life at Chelsea
George Saumarez Smith will demonstrate the power of pen and pencil when Country Life unveils his hand-drawn design for its stand at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Drawing has been integral to George Saumarez Smith’s professional and personal life, designing and restoring classically inspired buildings as a director of Adam Architecture, leading drawing tours in Edinburgh, Oxford and Venice, or simply drawing cards for friends and family. In 2021, he devoted a book to this aspect of his work with the publication of Sketchbooks: Collected Measured Drawings and Architectural Sketches (Triglyph).
The design for Country Life's Garden Lover’s Library at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show reflects his interests in architecture, antiques, books and interior design, and his fiancée Jane Kennerley’s love of plants.
The space is brought to life with elevations he drew by hand that have been enlarged and printed on linen by Watts 1874, the historic specialist in wallcoverings, fabrics, murals and passementerie — as well as a fireplace, floor and a pair of obelisks that he designed and which have been made by British stone specialist Artorius Faber.
With an eclectic mix of his own furniture and pieces from Munder Skiles, his extensive collection of gardening books and Miss Kennerley’s planting, the room he has envisioned is the perfect setting for a garden lover with eclectic tastes.
Visit adamarchitecture.com to find out more.
The Country Life 'Garden Lover’s Library', designed by George Saumarez-Smith of ADAM Architecture, is at stand PW215 at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show from May 18–23. To celebrate, you can purchase a year-long subscription for £150 and save more than 40% on the cover price. International offers are available, too. If you’re attending the Show, you can subscribe in person and receive a complimentary bottle of The Grange sparkling wine. Limited to the first 200 UK-based subscribers. Until May 31, 2026 (https://countrylifesubs.co.uk/Flowers).
One of the side elevations for the stand, hand drawn by Saumarez Smith.
George Saumarez Smith's drawing for a gallery building in New Bond Street.
The other side elevation of the Country Life stand. Both are printed on linen by Watts 1874.
George Saumarez Smith’s Sketchbooks.
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