Preview of Iceni Botanical Artists Annual Exhibition at The Guildhall Bury St Edmunds “Fullers Mill Garden - A Jewel in the Forest”
After more than two years of dedicated and fascinating study, Iceni Botanical Artists were proud to present a very special exhibition—a celebration of all the beauty and calm of Fullers Mill Garden.
Three years ago Iceni were invited by Fullers Mill to record the flora and fauna of Bernard Tickner’s beautiful garden and we have been working on this unique project ever since. Twenty five artists, each with their own individual style, were given complete freedom to choose whichever plants they would like to paint from a list compiled by Fullers Mill.
Just like the garden itself the completed collection of artworks is a kaleidoscope of colourful plants and wildlife which have come together in one delightful and satisfying exhibition. In addition, most of these paintings have been made into a very beautiful and well designed book, with an interesting text written by Rod Leeds, a great friend of Bernard Tickner and his garden and additional script by Tina Bone (editor).
Our President, Isobel Bartholomew, opened the exhibition, explaining how the whole project came into being and invited Rod Leeds to present the first of three awards.
First, our prestigious Val Hesmondhalgh Trophy (a beautiful glass vase) for Botanical excellence was awarded to Isobel herself (and richly deserved) for her painting of the “Cardiocrinum giganteum var. yunnanense” (Giant Himalayan Lily). Rod commented that this life-size study in watercolour and graphite was a work of outstanding botanical accuracy showing every detail of the plant’s structure and life cycle.
Rod also mentioned the painting of Broussonetia papyrifera Laciniata (Paper Bark Mulberry), painted by Georgie Kuna saying that the overall composition was unusual and remarkable but also that Georgie’s depiction of this very complicated plant ran a very close second to Isobel’s work. He was most impressed with all the artwork in the exhibition and congratulated IBA artists on their wonderful achievement.
Then Isobel gave a very special award of a bouquet of flowers to our Chair, Tina Bone, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to Iceni Botanical Artists. This was not only for all her hard work since taking the helm but above all for her highly professional work as project manager of our study of Fullers Mill garden and the creation of our beautiful accompanying book.
The third award, ‘The People’s Choice’ is in the hands of our visitors who have the opportunity to vote for their favourite painting. It is always exciting to see who will win.
So our project is complete and we can all now enjoy welcoming visitors to the exhibition, hoping it gives them as much pleasure as it has given IBA artists to study and paint all these wonderful plants. And above all it may inspire everyone to visit Fullers Mill garden and make it their own very special place.
Doreen Taylor
Saturday 28th June 2025
Cardiocrinum yunnanense (Giant Himalayan Lily) by Isobel Bartholomew which won IBA’s Botanical Excellence Award - the Val Hesmondhalgh Vase (chosen by Rod Leeds).
Broussonetia papyrifera (Paperbark Mulberry) by Georgie Kuna - a very close runner-up to Isobel’s painting.
Tina Bone’s stand showing a few draft versions of IBA’s new book about Fullers Mill Garden, as well as one of her own River Friend Series of published books all about rivers: “Drying Up”, with 5 versions of text and various illustrations used in her book.
Jan enjoying a coffee after a hard day’s toil on the exhibition floor!
Francesca and Louis ready to “pour” for the visitors.
Rosemary and Alison at the helm - in charge of the money, book and catalogue sales.
“Rob’s Corner” dedicated to our dearly departed member, Rob Dyke, who passed away in March 2025 after having completed 20 artworks for the Fullers Mill Project. Rob’s family were in attendance and had very kindly given permission for his paintings to be on display and for sale at this exhibition.
There are over 500 cards on sale as well as just 25 limited edition copies of IBA 2026 calendar commemorating this exhibition and project.
The fabulous Banqueting Hall showing half the collection of artworks during a lull in visitors!
Just a few of the fabulous paintings on show in the Court Room, where during the exhibition, the one-day workshops and demonstrations will also be taking place beneath the “Judge’s” seat.
