Lulu’s lifetime love of these exotic trees takes centre stage at Blenheim Palace and here’s how we did it
The spindly coral tree is a striking tropical plant that is a member of the legume family, Fabaceae. It may be spiny or smooth, deciduous or evergreen, with a spectacle of a flowers in brilliant pink, red, or orange hues.
Perhaps it’s not surprising that such a vibrant tree should hold a special place in Lulu’s heart because coral trees have always been a source of inspiration.
For her retrospective exhibition at Blenheim Palace, part of the Icons of British Fashion exhibition, she wanted to create something truly organic that would speak to her deep affinity for the garden and her love of gardening.
When she was planning her installation fitting to display 35 years of bags and creativity, it was the coral tree that sprung to mind, inspired by a previous embroidery she did of a coral pearl tree.
Luckily, the team at Blenheim Palace were on hand to help Lulu realise her creative vision. Nell Clark, from the estate’s carpenters department, led the project, putting to great use her substantial experience gleaned from 26 years working at Madam Tussauds.
“I was asked to make these coral trees and of course I jumped at the opportunity because of my background at Madame Tussauds making wax figures and setting up installations”, said Nell.
Finding the trees was a challenge in itself. “It actually took us two days of looking around the estate”, said Nell. “We had to find trees at the right height with the right balance of branches that we could put together to create this lovely effect.”
Then there was the paint job. “We used seven litres of coral colour paint and about three litres of primer, plus a large number of newspapers. It took about three weeks from start to finish to create these whole trees, from oak. And then Lulu and her crew hung her lovely bags on the branches.”
The installation features an array of bags hanging off the spindly branches in a riot of colour and creativity, always with a nod to nature. Such a clever feat of craftsmanship, some of the trees even rotate 360 degrees to showcase each bag.
Wouldn’t it be fabulous if Lulu bags actually did grow on trees?!
