Early blooming of one of England's most impressive rose gardens, appearance happening a fortnight ahead of schedule
Lose Yourself in the Enchanting Scent and Splendor of Mottisfont Abbey
Step into a world of timeless beauty as the aroma of over a thousand roses greets you before you even catch a glimpse. This enchanted scene unfolds in the walled garden of Mottisfont Abbey, a Historic gem nestled within the grounds of an Augustinian priory-turned-country house.
"Old roses only bloom once a year," pondered Audrey Hepburn during her visit in 1993. She was astounded by their exquisite display at the height of the season, a spectacle that blooms two weeks early this year, thanks to the unusually warm and dry spring.
This paradise hosts a collection of pre-1900 rose varieties, an impressive National Collection that horticulturist Graham Stuart Thomas cultivated in the 1970s[1]. Highlights include the highly scented shrub Rosa gallica officinalis, also known as the Apothecary's Rose, which made its way to England during the Crusades from Persia.
Beyond the roses, the romantic allure of a mosaic depicting an angel modeled on a paramour endures. Boris Anrep, a lesser-known 20th-century mosaic artist, crafted this masterpiece among the lush greenery. An exhibition at Mottisfont commemorates his artistic legacy[2].
Maud Russell, a socialite and art patron, supported Anrep's work and played a crucial role in preserving his artistic legacy. She met Anrep in 1934 and their relationship led to his frequent visits to Mottisfont, where he later depicted her and others in his creations.
Anrep's work ranges from the Proverbs of Hell (1923) exhibited at Tate Britain to intricate mosaics adorning public buildings like the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst chapel, Westminster Cathedral, the Bank of England, and Bayswater's Saint Sophia Cathedral[3].
"From the mid 1940s, Maud worked tirelessly to promote and patronize Boris's work and sought to secure his artistic legacy through donations to institutions," explains National Trust curator George Roberts[4]. After Anrep's passing in 1969, Russell buried his ashes in the grounds of Mottisfont Abbey.
The exhibition, "The Making of the Mottisfont Angel: the Artistic Legacy of Boris Anrep," runs until July 13, featuring mosaics like Spirit of Reasoning, which depicts ballet dancer Vaslav Nijinsky, along with paintings, photographs, and furniture by Anrep and other associated artists[3].
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Don't miss the chance to explore more of Anrep's work, with glimpses at his Proverbs of Hell (1923) potentially spotted at Tate Britain and mosaics enriching architectural gems like the Cathedral of Christ the King in Co Westmeath, Ireland[3].
Join us as we delve into the life and art of Boris Anrep and the enchanting world of Mottisfont Abbey.
Amie Elizabeth White, a history graduate from Edinburgh University and former interior designer, contributes regularly to our London Life section and has penned the weekly Barometer feature since joining our platform in 2022[6]. She has covered a wide array of topics, from Chanel suits and art events to the tastiest pies in London[6].
In the realm of art and history, fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts and home-and-garden connoisseurs alike can find delight in the life and work of Boris Anrep, a lesser-known 20th-century mosaic artist, whose masterpieces adorn the walls of Mottisfont Abbey. This enchanting lifestyle destination, nestled amidst the grounds of an Augustinian priory-turned-country house, offers a unique blend of Nature's splendor and timeless beauty, making it an intriguing subject for Amie Elizabeth White's weekly Barometer feature.
