Catherine Nelson - planet wakehurst, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Wakehurst, sussex
In 2023 T Projects were approached by the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (UK), who were facing a unique challenge – The Elizabethan Wakehurst mansion, built in 1571-1590, set in the heart of the world-famous botanic gardens, required an extensive roof restoration to preserve the Grade I listed building. The project was one the most ambitious renovation projects in recent history. Restoration work was to last over two years, during which time the mansion would be covered by an unsightly building wrap.
Our client, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, had tried unsuccessfully to find a local artist to create an artwork to improve the look of the building and so they reached out to T Projects to assist. We undertook a global open call to artists and received an incredible response from all over the world, including artists from Australia, Canada, Chile, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Palestine, Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, UK and the USA.
Australian artist Catherine Nelson was selected from her concept called Planet Wakehurst – which transformed the unsightly building wrap into the largest public art installation in the UK and created a visitor’s attraction in its own right. Measuring over 1550m2, the artwork is the equivalent of 25 double decker buses, wrapping around 3 sides of the Mansion.
Catherine Nelson spent days photographing Wakehurst’s spectacular collection of plants and trees to create the mammoth photo montage that is Planet Wakehurst.
Client
Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Wakehurst
Artist
Project Team
Building restoration by DBR Limited, complete temporary works design package by Agile Design Consultancy Ltd, scaffolding by D&R GROUP Plc, Building wrap & artwork printing by Lavastar
Photography and video
Courtesy of the artist and Lavastar
Catherine Nelson
Catherine Nelson is an Australian artist who uses digital technology as her paintbrush to create landscape “paintings” and animations.
After completing her art education in painting at the College of Fine Arts in Sydney Catherine quickly moved into the world of film and television. She created visual effects for films such as Moulin Rouge, Harry Potter, 300 and Australia. Her job as a visual effects artist has taken her around the world having lived in Milan, London, Rome, Reykjavik, Bratislava, Brussels and Australia. In 2008 she started her own art studio and has since dedicated her time fully to creating her art.
Catherine has exhibited in numerous galleries and museums, and her work is held in institutional, corporate and private collections around the world.
