Lighting Sculptures at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

At RHS Chelsea Flower Show, sculptures often take centre stage, or serve as the perfect accent within an oasis of plants and expertly curated flowers. Whether standing tall as vertical markers, appearing as abstract forms, or nestled low among the planting, these pieces frequently form the backbone of a landscape designer’s vision, providing drama, structure or visual depth. Which is why lighting them thoughtfully is so important to maximise their impact at night.

Whether in private gardens or show-stopping displays, we’ve developed a wealth of experience in how to illuminate sculptures effectively. Lighting at Chelsea Flower Show, or in any carefully designed garden, requires precision and sensitivity. Here are the key principles we follow to ensure each piece is seen in its best light.

At the Chelsea Flower Show, we’ve encountered an incredible variety of sculptural forms and this diversity makes form factor a critical consideration when lighting. The shape and scale of a sculpture directly influence both the choice of luminaire and its positioning.

Some artworks will respond best to a set narrow uplight that skims its form and contours. Others benefit from a soft, wide wash, set further back to deliver a more ambient, atmospheric glow. The intention behind the piece, whether it’s to stand boldly or sit subtly within the landscape, will guide the lighting approach and dramatically influence the mood it evokes.

A sculpture’s material plays a fundamental role in how light behaves. Stone and ceramic objects absorb and soften light, enhancing texture and form. Polished metal, like the David Harber Torus sculpture from 2025, reflects it. Creating a layer of complication for our lighting designers as direct light caused harsh glares and minimal effect. Our solution? To light around the sculpture, allowing the mirrored surface to reflect the beautifully illuminated garden, almost offering an extension of the plot itself.

At Chelsea, where surfaces are pristine and the planting is designed to perfection, lighting the surroundings can be just as powerful as lighting the sculpture itself.

The plots at Chelsea Flower Show can cause individual hurdles, similar to some residential properties in bustling cities, space is limited, fittings must be invisible, and light must be controlled to contain any lighting ‘spillage’.

In these conditions, ground-recessed uplights or spike lights offer the ideal combination of flexibility and precision. They allow designers to focus beams exactly where needed while concealing the hardware within the planting or hardscape.

One of the most rewarding aspects of lighting sculpture is the opportunity to collaborate directly with artists. Where possible, we aim to directly integrate lighting into the sculpture itself or at its base. Beam angles, colour temperatures, and output levels are carefully calibrated in partnership with the artist to ensure the intended experience of the piece is preserved, especially after dark.

Whether it’s a bold centrepiece or a quiet moment tucked among planting, each sculpture deserves a tailored lighting solution that honours the designer’s vision and elevates the experience.