David Harber to unveil new sculptures at RHS Chelsea

Visitors are to this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show (23rd to 27th May 2017) will be able to see not one but two new pieces from award-winning sculptor and designer, David Harber.

David’s stand is always one of the first I go to at Chelsea – in 2016 he won ‘Best in Show Trade Stand’ for his exhibition designed in partnership with Nic Howard. This year he will be teaming up with Nic again who will create a contemporary take on a country garden, with a paired-back colour palette made up of green and white, alongside moody landscape materials.

The Eclipse (pictured left) is an exciting continuation of David Harber’s beguiling interactions with light and darkness, inspired by his imminent 20th wedding anniversary with his wife and co-founder of the business, Sophie.

The sculpture is based on a notion of moving forward together, reminiscent of the DH Lawrence poem, Fidelity, which was read at the couple’s wedding. The poem describes a ‘sapphire of fidelity’ which David has represented through the outer rings of his sculpture, made from stainless steel and then coated in a dark blue, sapphire hue.

Taking inspiration from the phases of the moon and the shadows of an eclipse, these interlocking, interdependent rings work in harmony from any angle and mutually support each other.

The second piece to be unveiled will be The Quiver, (pictured below) inspired by swaying crops and featuring flame shaped pieces of stainless steel. Each mirrored leaf has a compound curved face, designed to reflect and distort the sky, land and, most importantly, the surrounding foliage. Swaying on elegant stems of patinated oxidized steel, the sculpture’s gentle movement has a mesmerizing, almost hypnotic effect. At night, the piece is up-lit and reminiscent of crackling bonfire.

David is delighted to once again partner Nic Howard, commenting: “Nic’s professionalism and positive attitude made last year’s show a joy. The Flower Show is a busy event, so it is really important for us to work with fun, like-minded people who share our vision. Our stand is set to be inviting and accessible, while maintaining a strong sense of style and purpose,” he said.

The stand will take pride of place on the show’s Main Avenue.