The Fabulous 15

Global sensation Fleurs de Villes announces the fifteen talented Edinburgh florists starring in the UK premiere of ARTISTE; a spectacular fresh floral celebration of Scotland's remarkable art.

Article Source: Fleurs de Villes
Last Updated: 21 May 2024 13:55

Fleurs de Villes, the world-renowned floral show behind international blockbuster exhibitions in cities including Sydney, New York, Chicago, Miami, London and Toronto, has announced the fifteen Edinburgh talents who will deploy superstar levels of floral artistry in the UK premiere - in Edinburgh - of its major new exhibition; Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE: a fresh floral celebration of Scotland’s remarkable art and the nation’s much loved artists. They are:

Robert Burns mannequin X Flowers for All Occasions
Inspired by Alexander Nasmyth, Robert Burns, 1759 - 1796. Poet, from the collection at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait

Monarch of the Glen “en fleurs” X Gillytree Studio
Inspired by Sir Edwin Landseer’s The Monarch of the Glen, from the collection at National Galleries Scotland: National

Charles Rennie Mackintosh mannequin X Partyy Event and Penelope Fleur by KDM
Inspired by the figurehead of the Glasgow Art School movement, and his prolific contributions to international Art Nouveau.

Billy Connolly Edinburgh Playhouse mannequin X Bonnie Bunches
Inspired by ‘The Big Yin’ and the landmark Edinburgh Playhouse, where Billy first performed in 1976, and numerous times since.

Annie Lennox mannequin X Flower Pixies
Inspired by the iconic outfit on the cover of Annie Lennox’s solo debut album, Diva, in 1992.

John Byrne mannequin X Wonder Flower
Inspired by esteemed portrait artist, playwright and stage designer John Byrne.

Alexander McQueen mannequin X Penelope Fleur by KDM
Inspired by the renowned designer’s collections influenced by his Scottish heritage and by Scottish culture, history, and traditions.

Dovecot Weaver mannequin X Pirita Blooms
Inspired by the 2024 summer exhibition at Dovecot Studios that features The Caged Bird’s Song - showcasing how master weavers at Dovecot brought the design to life, creating a stunning tapestry that took over three years to create.

Scottish Opera mannequin X Flowers by Kerry
Inspired by the character of Violetta Valéry, from Scottish Opera’s production of Verdi’s La traviata, directed by world-renowned Scottish director Sir David McVicar.

Jupiter Artland mannequin X Boyes Botanics
Inspired by Joana Vasconcelos’ Gateway, a colourful and interactive swimming pool art installation at Jupiter Artland, made up of vibrant, hand-painted, Portuguese tiles.

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancer mannequin X Wildbells
Inspired by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers that celebrate the cultural tradition of highland dancing while showing how contemporary the art form can be.

Annie French mannequin X Petals by the Shore
Inspired by Annie French’s The Pink Rose, from the collection at National Galleries Scotland: Modern

Nicola Benedetti mannequin X The Flower Studio
Inspired by the renowned violinist and the first Scottish and the first female Director of The Edinburgh International Festival since it began in 1947.

Prince Charles Edward Stuart mannequin X Nikki Fleurs
Inspired by Scottish Painter Allan Ramsay’s Prince Charles Edward Stuart, 1745. Acquired by the National Galleries of Scotland in 2016, it is widely recognised as one of the most important surviving Jacobite artefacts, showing Charles’ likeness during one of the most dramatic episodes in British history, when he became the last man to lead a Scottish army into England.

Maud Sulter X Debrah J Flowers mannequin
Inspired by award-winning Scottish-Ghanaian visual artist Maud Sulter’s Terpsichore, one of nine subversive portrait photographs in her photographic series Zabat.

Fleurs de Villes, the experiential flower show sensation – known as the “floral disrupters” of the floral world – is counting down to the UK premiere of Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, which will open to the public on Friday the 31st of May and run until Sunday the 9th of June, 2024.

Fifteen of Edinburgh’s stars of the flower world, each of whom have been paired with an art-related Scottish icon, will be bringing the exhibition’s theme of ARTISTE to life in a truly spectacular floral spectacle. The exhibition will feature stunning fresh floral installations inspired by iconic masterpieces including Monarch of the Glen, and inspired by Scotland’s remarkable artists past and present, from Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Robert Burns, to Annie Lennox, Billy Connolly and Alexander McQueen. These one-of-a-kind floral displays will also celebrate Edinburgh’s vibrant arts scene, drawing inspiration from Dovecot Studios, Jupiter Artland, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Scottish Opera, Edinburgh Playhouse, National Galleries of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy of Art and Architecture.

Visitors to Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE will begin by wandering through a beautiful indoor pavilion featuring a curated collection of 15 of Fleurs de Villes' famous fresh floral mannequins. While admiring the floral masterpieces, visitors will have the opportunity to watch floral demonstrations and talks from local florists and botanical experts, then can make their way to the adjacent historic Inverleith House to explore captivating rooms inspired by iconic art movements including Surrealism, Pop Art and Impressionism.

The legacy of pre-eminent Victorian botanist, Duncan Napier, will be celebrated in a Napiers the Herbalists Experience room, with the opportunity for visitors to enjoy botanical beauty and holistic well-being talks and demonstrations. Visitors can also explore the architecture and history of the Palm Houses at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in a room inspired by the incredible biodiversity of these iconic glasshouses.

New for 2024, visitors can enjoy an indulgent cream tea at the Fleurs de Villes Tea Salon on the main floor of Inverleith House, a unique experience available only for the duration of the ARTISTE exhibition.

Delicious botanical refreshments, light bites and an afternoon tea menu will also be available within the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s on-site Terrace café. Visitors can also pick up picnic boxes to enjoy on the lawn adjacent to the floral pavilion, where the world of fresh florals continues with two more statement exhibits; a floral-adorned Classic MG presented by MG Owners Club and a floral adorned Cyberstar MG presented by Arnold Clark.

To launch the exhibition's opening weekend in style, Fleurs de Villes will host an exclusive Le Soir evening event on Friday May 31st, starting at 6:30pm. During this enchanting evening, visitors can experience the beautiful ARTISTE exhibition accompanied by live DJ entertainment and a floral-inspired drinks menu.

Tickets to Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE (including add-on dining experiences and Le Soir evening) are on sale now and can be purchased at fleursdevilles.com/edinburgh.

General admission tickets are priced at £23 for adults, £20 for seniors and RBGE members, and £11 for kids (4-16 years). A family discount (2 adults & 2 kids) is priced at £56.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026

The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.

10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary

Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.

Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone

Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.

Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK

Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper

Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers

Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.

Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December

Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.

Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft

Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.

Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day

Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.

WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4

Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.

Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens

Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.

Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza

If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!

Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts

An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.

Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas

New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.

Celebrate South Asian cinema this December with a selection of releases at Vue

There’s plenty for fans of South Asian cinema to enjoy at Vue this December, with a number of titles heading to the big screen.

Santas little helpers, assemble

Santa Paws, in partnership with Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, is calling out for the city’s dogs to take part in an attempt to break the world record for the most dogs in Christmas jumpers.

The Entertainer opens brand new store in Edinburgh

Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has officially opened a brand-new store at The Gyle Shopping Centre.

Brighten up the nights with the magical Winter Windows

Winter Windows are back at Edinburgh’s Christmas! An arts competition for Edinburgh schoolchildren of all ages, it is an annual showcase of their creativity and skills.

Edinburgh residents encouraged to nominate a charity to receive a festive financial boost

Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards is giving away £120,000 as part of its annual 12 Days of Giving Christmas campaign and nominations are now open.

Volunteer Centre East Lothian reopens just in time for the season of goodwill

The team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) have thrown open their doors after an extensive renovation and are welcoming back local residents, volunteers and community groups.

Newtongrange Primary School pupils reap the benefits of outdoor learning with a newly extended playground

Pupils at a Midlothian school have given their resounding approval to their newly extended playground, which includes access to green space and trim trail equipment.

Fort Kinnaird crowns winner of competition to design labels for homegrown honey

Nine-year-old Elodie from Niddrie Mill Primary School has been named the winner of a recent competition launched by Fort Kinnaird to design a label for the honey produced by its resident beehives.

Name the Loganair Christmas puffin and win a family adventure

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.

Edinburghs Hogmanay reveals International Partnership & Artist Exchange Programme with Basque Country

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay today reveals the full line-up for its much-loved First Footin’ programme on New Year’s Day, with a landmark international collaboration led by Valtos topping the bill.

The Main Course: Serving Up a Slice of Italy in the Heart of Gullane this Christmas

Planning a Christmas lunch with colleagues, a family gathering or a relaxed night out with friends? The Main Course offers comfort, warmth and a menu that brings people back year after year.

Hamish Hawk commission comes to life with Edinburgh International Book Festival first ever record release

Edinburgh International Book Festival today announces that Life in a Scotch Sitting-room, Vol. 0, a limited-edition LP by Scottish indie songwriter Hamish Hawk, will be released on 5th December.

SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh unveils New Years Eve event and festive offering

This festive season, SUSHISAMBA Edinburgh is elevating its celebrations with two unforgettable experiences that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.

Vault City launches festive, Quaffable Treats, beer box inspired by Christmas chocolate tins

An Edinburgh brewery has created the 'perfect gift' for beer lovers this Christmas, inspired by the chocolates people hunt for first in the tin.

Red Hot Chilli Pipers headline free weekend of celebrations with Christmas ceilidh and market

The Ross Bandstand sparked festivities on Sunday with its opening Light Night Concert, and now has a jam-packed Scottish weekend in store of free events in honour of St Andrew's Day.

Somewhere by Nico Launches Festive Cocktail Experience

This festive season, Glasgow and Edinburgh relevellers can relive the magic of Christmas past as Somewhere by Nico unveil a brand-new immersive experience!

Zizzi celebrates a fresh era with a new menu and app, by giving 132 people free pasta for one year

Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

The Fabulous 15

Global sensation Fleurs de Villes announces the fifteen talented Edinburgh florists starring in the UK premiere of ARTISTE; a spectacular fresh floral celebration of Scotland's remarkable art.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings