International Garden Photographer of the Year at Cannon Hall Museum, Park & Gardens
Sara Jaspan, Exhibitions Editor
From the lovingly tended suburban patch bursting with foxgloves, bees and prize roses to the romantically overgrown jungle in which nature has been left to its own devices, it can be hard to resist the simple pleasure of a good garden. And, with a surge of interest in the physical, mental and environmental benefits associated with growing, the humble pass time has seen something of a renaissance in recent years. Nothing seems to pay homage to all this more than the International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition, which features winning entries from over 20,000 images submitted annually by professional and amateur photographers from around the world.
Organised in partnership with The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, a selection of highlights from this prestigious touring show is now about to go on display in our own glorious backyard, at Cannon Hall in Yorkshire, following a period of major transformation work carried out to the Georgian estate’s 70 acres of historic parkland and outdoor space (cared for since 1757 by some of the best surveyors, landscapists and gardeners in the land). Presented within the newly restored and re-opened 300-year-old walled garden, this makes the perfect setting to enjoy the exhibition and its striking shots of dramatic landscapes, botanical wonders and members of the all-important insect kingdom (the most industrious gardeners of all).
One of the photographs from the exhibition will also be on display in the grounds of nearby Wentworth Castle Gardens, making for a complete day out. After a very strange few months in which access to gardens and green spaces has never seemed so important, perhaps it’s time for a stretch of the legs.
Plan your visit from 8 September onwards and you’ll also be able to explore the impressive collection of paintings, metalwork, ceramics, glassware and furniture on permanent display throughout the Cannon Hall Museum (temporarily closed during lockdown). And, from 21 September, catch Beautiful Barnsley – a special award photography exhibition presented in association with International Garden Photographer of the Year, depicting some of the most attractive views the green and pleasant borough has to offer.
