Window Dressing

It's nearly July, and despite June being the highlight of the gardening calendar the challenging British weather has consistently battered my peonies, levelled the delphiniums and ruined many a rose this month.

So when asked to do this months window display, and tie it in with Market Harborough Flower Competition I was thrilled. I visualised armfuls of romantic roses nodding peonies and lots of beautiful spikes of delphiniums, an abundance of flowers and it would allow me to use what beauties I had left from my garden & allotment and order more.

I love the still life paintings of Fantin Latour, and the Dutch painters of the 17th & 18th Century and wanted to create one huge central display with an abundance of flowers, overflowing like an old master painting. something like the painting below, by Flemish painter Jan Brueghel.

The idea grew, and if I added a large gilt frame and artist easel, I could create the impression of an artist studio, with the floral display being a living painting. I already had all the necessary artist accoutrements from my days as an illustrator, the big gilt frame from my collection of frames and I could also use my beautiful unused box of Vintage French chalk pastels. The theme was set.

Working on the idea, it became apparent the cost of fresh flowers could get quite expensive and not last for the duration of the competition it had to be maintenance free. Silk flowers were not my initial choice to use but would be a solution as I already had a good selection in the prop room a few extra blooms from Mon Amie and of course, from my lovely Mum - Jacqlynn.

I needed a black backdrop to highlight the flowers, Wilkinsons provided a cheap solution with one of their king size fitted sheets. Good old Wilkos! Old gold velvet curtains that came with the recent move to my new home would give the right feel to the floor and surround.

I decided a mock-up was needed to make sure that it worked visually - it's one thing having an idea in your head but essential to see just how it will come together, a real advantage when working on a tight deadline.




The Home Instead window I styled it's at 32 St Mary's Rd, Market Harborough LE16 7DU next door to Frank Hall Equestrian Tailors

It would be lovely to hear what you think?

Debbie x

If you would like to join in the competition with the opportunity to win there are a few displays around Market Harborough, take photographs of your favourite floral displays or windows in town and post to Instagram using the #bloomingharbs hashtag and tag @harbs_collective. The favourite floral post will be picked and announced on the 12th of July. 

The competition starts today (28th June 2019) in tandem with the late night shopping event in the town (9 pm).

Bon chance !