Why flower power is taking over one of Leeds' grandest homes

Beautiful botanical creations have burst into bloom inside a historic Leeds mansion as part of a stunning new flower-powered exhibition.

This summer sees Temple Newsam House host Plant Power, a spectacular display filling the stately home with giant recreations of stunning flowers inspired by both the house and surrounding estate.

Among the flowers which feature are towering red poppies, paying tribute to the house’s role as a hospital for injured soldiers during the First World War. The house’s owners at that time, Edward and Lady Dorothy Wood, lived there when the conflict broke out.

Whilst Edward left to join the army in 1915, Lady Dorothy stayed behind to run the hospital every day.

White roses also form part of the display, recreating Yorkshire’s emblematic flower which is still cultivated at Temple Newsam.

Also featured are daisies, which echo the floral motifs found throughout the house’s historic interiors and renowned decorative arts collection as well as being a reflection of the surrounding parkland and gardens.

Crafted by Yorkshire artist Andy Singleton, the delicate paper sculptures have been placed in the house's breath-taking Picture Gallery, with visitors also being invited to help the installation grow by adding their own blooms to the display.

Mr Singleton said: “The flowers were created using a variety of paper sculpting techniques which involves cutting, scoring and folding the paper to create the beautiful flower forms.

“Flowers are like temporary sculptures, existing only briefly fading away. We wanted to select flowers that had a link to the house, the difficulty was narrowing down the choice as there were a lot of options.

“It’s easy to just see flowers as a pretty thing to look at, but on close inspection you really see the components of what makes up a flower and why they are so interesting to look at. I hope my scaled-up versions can be appreciated in the same way.

He added: “Seeing the work installed in the beautiful and grand Picture Gallery has been very satisfying. The space is full of ornate carvings, plasterwork and beautiful historical painting. I’m hoping visitors enjoy this aspect as well and also appreciate the craft in both my work and the historical work on display.”

Widely regarded as one of Temple Newsam’s most magnificent rooms, The Picture Gallery was created in the 1740s for Henry, 7th Viscount Irwin and is one of the most complete surviving Rococo interiors in England.

Alongside the exhibition, plant-themed, creative activities will be taking place over the summer including the chance to make paper flowers and leafy crowns as well as building a Lego garden.