Matthew Williamson Creates Botanical Paradise in London

British designer Matthew Williamson has teamed with floral artist Rebecca Louise Law to create a beautiful floral summer garden in Blakes Hotel London. Following the launch party last month the space, called the Hendrick’s Horticultural Oasis, is open to the public until July 14.

“I was given free rein creatively over the space which is great as I can be true to my own personal design DNA,” said Williamson of the project. “I aimed to create a magical oasis for guests to escape the hustle and bustle of London. I’ve used my Osbourne & Little fabrics from the Samana collection, which work so well in the space. I’ve also collaborated with Rockett St George. They helped to source some amazing vintage garden furniture for the space so it has a really unique feel. Floral artist Rebecca Louise Law has been commissioned to create a display in the glass ‘birdcage’ summer house so it transforms the space into a wonderful floral sensory experience,” he added.

Set in the heart of London’s decadent Kensington area and inspired by the botanical infusions of Hendrick’s gin, the space in the courtyard of Blakes Hotel will invite guests to sit back, relax and take in the infusion of scented British dried roses, peonies, hydrangeas and juniper berries, among others. Other visitors will be keen to sample the various bespoke gin cocktails from Hendricks, which all use herbs and botanical extracts straight from the garden itself. And in true British style, Williamson is just hoping that the summer weather will hold out enough for people to be able to enjoy the garden getaway: “I had to take into account that the space is set outdoors and so everything used had to be weatherproof. Most of the furniture is suitable for outdoors but I couldn’t resist using an ostrich feather lamp in the space…the bell boy will be very used to carrying it inside and outside, along with all the cushions, at the start and end of each day to avoid the rain,” he joked.