Welsh Slate is assisting sculptor James Parker debut at this year's centenary RHS Chelsea Flower Show (May 21-25).
The talented sculptor, who frequently works with Welsh slate, is employing the use of the North Wales-based product as a medium for his beautiful sculptures and in the construction of his stand.
He has selected large-sized Penrhyn heather blue slate and smaller-sized greens, purples and greys as well as some slate paving and decorative slate chippings. This will be reincarnated in the form of a huge cube, a spiral and a tree which will be built in relief into the rear wall of the exhibit.
James, 34, often works on his sculptures in-situ due to the scale he prefers to work on. He adds pieces of slate to the sculpture rather than carving material to reveal a sculpture within the stone. In 2010, James had a sculpture made from Welsh slate unveiled by HRH Prince Charles.
Of his impending debut, James said: "I'm very excited at the prospect of making my first appearance at Chelsea Flower Show. Welsh Slate has been very generous in its support and for that I'm very grateful.
"Their product is synonymous with quality and the variety of sizes available together with the plethora of colours, from the heather blue to the greys, purples and greens. I have a fantastic palette to choose from. I enjoy creating large and bold forms. The fabric-like nature of the material draws the eye in closer."
James' creations will be found in the Rock Garden Bank area of the showground (stand no RGB9).
