Inspired by our London Fashion Week show, where Claridge’s was transformed into a fantasy English garden, our New York correspondent visited The New York Botanical Garden to see what events and exhibitions were coming up.
Gardens and green spaces in New York are precious pockets of peace and quiet (certainly a very different peace and quiet to the fields and streams surrounding Mulberry’s factory The Rookery back in Somerset).
The good news is that parks throughout Manhattan and within travelling distance are playing host to an increasing number of remarkable art installations. The Frieze show on Randall’s Island was a fantastic celebration of work and place. Now, Spanish artist Manolo Valdés is the latest to be given an open space for his dramatic work.
Opening on 22 September, Monumental Sculpture sees seven new (and quite breathtaking) pieces at five sites within The New York Botanical Garden, on show till Spring 2013. If you’re not familiar with the place, the Botanical Garden, now more than 120 years old, comprises 250 acres of land (including a 50-acre forest that represents the woodland that originally covered the city) with Family and Adventure gardens, and loads more besides.
For art lovers, or green-fingered types who love art too, there’s a talk from Dale Lanzone on November 3rd, discussing how Valdés’ work is influenced by nature.
An All-Garden Pass ticket starts at $20 for adults. Your quickest journey will be made by hopping on the MTA Harlem Local to Botanical Garden Station. It’s about 20 minutes or so from Grand Central, and if rain is forecast, travel in your wellies. Oh, and one final thing: it is Park etiquette not to climb the trees but we’ve seen no rules against a cheeky game of hide and seek.