New flower‑powered exhibition takes over historic Leeds house
Plant Power at Temple Newsam House fills the stately home with creative blooms, including giant, hand‑crafted flowers inspired by the building’s remarkable history and the surrounding estate. Created by Yorkshire artist Andy Singleton, the striking paper sculptures transform the house’s breath‑taking Picture Gallery into a vibrant indoor garden, inviting visitors to explore nature on an extraordinary scale.
Among the flowers on display are towering red poppies, paying tribute to Temple Newsam’s role as a hospital for injured soldiers during the First World War. At the outbreak of the conflict, the house was home to Edward and Lady Dorothy Wood.
Also featured are white roses, echoing Yorkshire’s iconic emblem and the varieties still cultivated in the estate’s historic gardens, and delicate daisies, which reflect the floral motifs woven throughout the house’s interiors and renowned decorative arts collection.
Andy Singleton said: “Flowers are like temporary sculptures - they exist only briefly before fading away. By scaling them up, we can appreciate their structure, beauty and complexity in a completely new way. Each flower was created using paper sculpting techniques including cutting, scoring and folding. Seeing them installed in the Picture Gallery, surrounded by centuries of craftsmanship, has been incredibly rewarding.”
The Picture Gallery, created in the 1740s for Henry, 7th Viscount Irwin, is widely regarded as one of Temple Newsam’s most magnificent rooms and one of the most complete surviving Rococo interiors in England. The contrast between Singleton’s contemporary paper blooms and the room’s ornate carvings, plasterwork and historic paintings creates a striking dialogue between past and present.
Alongside the exhibition, families can enjoy a programme of plant‑themed creative activities throughout the summer. Visitors can make paper flowers, leafy crowns and buzzy bee boppers, follow a colourful plant‑spotting trail, take part in plant-themed arts and crafts workshops and even design their own LEGO garden.
As part of the summer offer, children go free on Tuesdays with a paying adult, making Plant Power an ideal day out for families looking to explore, create and discover together.
Maya Harrison, Principal Keeper at Temple Newsam House, said: “Plant Power is a joyful celebration of both Andy Singleton’s remarkable creativity and the rich history woven through Temple Newsam. With summer in full bloom, it’s the perfect moment for families to explore the house, discover its stories and get hands‑on with activities inspired by nature. We’re looking forward to a season buzzing with visitors - especially our youngest ones, who always bring such energy and curiosity into the house.”
Plant Power continues at Home Farm with plant related activities taking place throughout the summer.
