I was asked to create a set of sculptures representing all nine of the categories of dahlia, by Steve Edney, Head Gardener at The Salutation Gardens, Sandwich.

This type is called simply ‘decorative’, and is probably what most people expect to see when they think of a dahlia. In addition to the buds I have given this one a larger display of lower leaves. 70cm tall including the wood block mount.

The subtle colours are not any sort of surface coating; it is caused by heating the copper to particular temperatures and then quenching. The flower and bud are then lacquered, excluding air, so that the colours will remain as you see them, whilst the leaves and stem will go through the natural colour-changes of copper as it ages.

£945