Turkish Cypriot Artist Shines at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

The magnificent floral splendour of the RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, running until 6 July 2025, has welcomed a special artistic touch this year. Nestled within the palace’s historic gardens, amid show gardens, floral marquees, and expert gardening talks, visitors can now admire three striking canvas prints crafted entirely from freshly harvested flowers.

These captivating artworks are the result of a creative collaboration between Turkish Cypriot artist Hülya Özyiğit, currently studying at Capel Manor College Enfield, and tutor Shelly Jefferson. The pair have produced three expansive 2‑metre-long canvases, using an innovative flower-stamping technique. Each composition showcases blooms grown on the college grounds and is crafted using sustainable materials—a perfect homage to the festival’s emphasis on environmental awareness and homegrown beauty.

Complementing the printed canvases, Capel Manor students have created large ornamental urns, adorned with flowers they nurtured themselves. These urn installations, rich in colour and texture, enhance the festival’s immersive botanical ambience and illustrate the synergy between horticulture and artistic expression.

The Capel Manor College exhibit has not only drawn attention from festivalgoers but also gained media recognition, having been featured on BBC London News—a testament to the impressive craftsmanship and cultural significance of the work on display.

Hülya Özyiğit and Shelly Jefferson

The festival, set against the regal backdrop of Hampton Court Palace and extending across 25 acres along the Long Water, presents an ideal opportunity for families, gardening enthusiasts, and art appreciators to experience these unique displays. Festival highlights include show gardens by top designers, the iconic Festival of Roses, a bustling Floral Marquee, expert demos on the Main Stage, and specialist plant nurseries offering rare finds. 

Be sure to visit before 6 July to admire the extraordinary floral art by Hülya Özyiğit, Shelly Jefferson, and the Capel Manor team—a stunning blend of creativity, cultivation, and cultural diversity blooming within the palace grounds. For tickets and more information visit hrp.org.uk.