Presented by
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.
-
Mary Berry's daughter is selling her Oxfordshire home — and it's a wild fantasy of a home, the likes of which you've never seenBlenheim Farm, near the village of Ewelme, defies every convention of the country house.
-
Country Life's tips on how to get the most out of this year's RHS Chelsea Flower ShowThe biggest gardening event of the year is taking place in London next week. Here are our top tips for navigating the fabulous foliage.
-
Reader event report: An eye to the future at DaylesfordThe magnificent Heritage Barn at Daylesford in the Cotswolds was the setting for an event at which five specialists with a deep understanding of country properties shared their expertise.
-
Reader Event: An eye to the future at Daylesford Heritage HouseWhat changes to a house do most to enhance its aesthetics, function, comfort, sustainability and longevity? On March 24, leading experts in architecture, interior design, craft and restoration will share the secrets to maximising possibilities and protecting value at Daylesford’s magnificent Heritage House in Gloucestershire.
-
Reader Event: Super women at London Design WeekWhat can be learnt from the achievements of the world’s greatest female designers and antique dealers? Which has created the most valuable legacy? What are the secrets of their success? Come and find out at an inspiring event on the first day of London Design Week at 10.30am on Monday, March 9, at the London showroom of luxury lighting brand Hector Finch.
-
Reimagining the past at VaughanIn September 2025, leading designers shared their views on creating interiors with the capacity to last forever.
-
Tetrad: Over half a century of timeless good looksSince 1968, Tetrad has employed a combination of traditional skills and the finest materials to make upholstered furniture that is designed to offer years of comfort.
-
Reimagining the past: A panel discussion with VaughanAt Focus/25 later this month, Vaughan will host an inspiring talk at which leading names in antiques and interiors will explain why understanding the past is vital to designing for the future.
-
Star of the show: Rose of Jericho's paint created just for Country Life at RHS ChelseaOne of the highlights of Country Life's ‘outdoor drawing room’ at the 2025 RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a new paint colour created by Rose of Jericho,
-
Munder-Skiles and the art of exterior decorationThe success of this project — which was awarded four stars by judges at the Chelsea Flower Show — demonstrates Isabella Worsley’s versatility as a designer.
