As if we needed another reason to go to Kew Gardens, this year you just must make the journey to South-West London to see the stunning exhibition Chihuly: Reflections on Nature of new and old art work from the last 50 years by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly.

(click on images to enlarge)

Last time Chihuly exhibited at Kew, it was so popular, that the finishing date was extended. This year you have until late October to see his sculptures in the stunning setting of the park, the installations in some of the historic greenhouses, as well as smaller pieces in The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art.

Pieces include the Ethereal White Persian Pond in the Waterlily House, Niijima Floats in the Japanese Garden, Summer Sun by the lake outside the Palm House, the Sapphire Star near Victoria Gate, Green Hornets and Gold Waterdrops inside the newly refurbished Temperate House, where you can also find the Persian Column suspended from the ceiling. All the art works were taken apart and shipped from the US and carefully assembled again at Kew, in the case of the Scarlet and Yellow Icicle Tower from thousands of pieces.

The exhibition is included in your entrance fee to Kew Gardens and runs until October 27^th.

There will be Chihuly Nights on Thursdays to Saturdays from August 15^th to October 26^th, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, offering art, music and nature under the evening sky.

There is also a special Chihuly children’s trail (pick up a free guide from The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art) and free guided tours (April 23^rd – August 31^st, 12 noon and 2.30pm and September 1^st – October 27^th, 12 noon)

Chihuly merchandise is available, with the shop in The Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art also selling limited edition glass ware and prints.

All details can be found under www.kew.org

The exhibition is sponsored by DS Automobiles.