Garden Totems RHS Chelsea Flower Show May 22nd-26th 2007

Following on from the success of attending The RHS Chelsea Flower Show last year, Garden Totems will be returning this year. They will be on Stand number RM/33 from May 22nd to the 26th.

Hand-turned from solid, sustainable wood, each Garden Totem is a unique work of art designed and created by Keay-Chaplin to evolve and mature in an outdoor environment. Providing a striking focal point, whether casually placed within a border or more formally positioned as a central feature to your existing garden layout, the totems range from 75cm to 1.5m in height and are up to 23cm in diameter.

They are produced from a variety of woods, mainly Larch or Douglas Fir from sustainable sources, and it’s natural for them to develop splits when exposed to the elements over time, which adds to each unique piece’s charm and character. Additionally, a steel bar spine enables them to be ‘planted’ in soil according to your choice of configuration.

On a smaller scale is Colin Keay-Chaplin’s Metot, a swaying totem on a stem of high grade stainless steel. Designed to provide 'movement' to an outdoor environment, Metots react to the most gentle of breezes with a sway not unlike that of rushes or grass. With a natural ‘bud’ hand-turned from 'green' Douglas Fir, the Metot works best in groups of three or four and is available in shades of grey, purple, blue, red, yellow or a natural oil finish. In each case the grain is clearly emphasised through the colour and is enhanced with coats of Danish oil.

Colin Keay-Chaplin has been working as a designer and artist for over 20 years, studying disciplines as diverse as Sculpture, Photography and Graphic Design. After a successful period of work in watercolours, he started a career as a graphic designer. In 2001 Colin developed the first Garden Totem, combining originality with the unusual to pioneer garden art as a logical extension for any serious collector.

Keay-Chaplin comments: “So far in the 21st Century there’s been a ‘new tech’ approach to architecture and design which embraces the imaginative use of materials, multi-functional garden buildings, temporary installations and land art. Gardens are places for entertaining and relaxing, improved lighting and patio heaters have helped to extend this use, and as perennials and grasses are increasingly planted for ecologically sustainable reasons, people are seeking out garden decorations which are aesthetically complimentary.”

For further information, visit gardentotems.co.uk.