Nature takes centre stage at Lotherton Hall as Botanically Beautiful arrives for the warmer months

Running until October 18, this major series of exhibitions and events is a vibrant celebration of how the natural world has forced its way out of the garden and into our homes, our wardrobes, and our art galleries, including the Art and Design Inspired by Nature exhibition.

It is a deep dive into the historical and creative relationship between nature and design, exploring how elements like fruit, foliage, and intricate flora have been transformed into iconic works of craftsmanship.

Within the gallery, you’ll find a stunning collection of high-end design, including the lush, leafy wallpapers of the Sanderson Archive and the world-renowned prints of William Morris.

These sit alongside shimmering 18th-century Spitalfields silks and floral-patterned garments that prove nature has always been the ultimate trendsetter.

Beyond the textiles, the display features innovative furniture by legendary designers like C.F.A. Voysey and Augustus Pugin, paired with a curated selection of fine ceramics and silver. Every piece in the collection highlights how the curve of a stem or the geometry of a petal has served as a template for some of the most famous decorative arts in history.

It’s an exhibition that perfectly bridges the gap between the wild, expansive Edwardian estate outside and the refined, artistic treasures housed within the Hall itself.

What else is taking place during the Botanically Beautiful season at Lotherton Hall?

Beyond the art and design focus of the exhibition, Lotherton has a packed calendar of family adventures, wildlife encounters, and heritage tours scheduled for the 2026 season.

The estate serves as a multi-layered destination where you can pivot from a quiet gallery tour to a high-energy Easter quest or a hands-on wildlife conservation session.

The Music of Nature (March 11)

The season begins in the Hall's elegant Drawing Room with a performance by award-winning harpist Sarah Davies. She will perform a nature-themed programme specifically selected to echo the floral and garden motifs found throughout the house and the main exhibition.

Paper Flower-making (March 14)

This family-friendly drop-in session invites visitors of all ages to get creative. Using various paper-crafting techniques, you can design and take home your own botanical creations inspired by the estate’s emerging spring gardens.

Willow Sculpture Workshop (April 22)

As mid-spring arrives, this adult-focused workshop teaches the traditional craft of willow weaving. Under expert guidance, participants will learn how to manipulate natural materials to create organic, structural art for their own outdoor spaces.

Ikebana Workshop (May 6)

Discover the meditative Japanese art of flower arrangement. This session focuses on the disciplined use of line, shape, and form, teaching participants how to create minimalist displays that reflect the balance and spiritual beauty of the natural world.

Recovering Dorothy: Talk by Polly Atkin (May 20)

Special guest author Polly Atkin joins the programme for a fascinating look into the journals of Dorothy Wordsworth. This talk explores Dorothy’s ‘botanical life’ and the significant role her observations of nature played in the Romantic movement and the poetry of her brother, William.

Flower Printing and Floral Art (June 6)

This creative family workshop uses real flora to capture the textures of summer. It’s an ideal way to experiment with natural pigments and printing techniques to create permanent botanical art using materials gathered directly from the Lotherton grounds.