A Personal Encounter with Beauty and Detail: RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show at the Saatchi Gallery.
Stepping into the RHS Botanical Art and Photography Show at the Saatchi Gallery this summer felt like entering a living celebration of the natural world. I had the pleasure of attending the exhibition, now in its fifth year, and I can truly say it’s one of the most beautifully curated and quietly powerful events I’ve experienced in London.
Running from 13 June to 27 July 2025, the show is a breathtaking showcase of botanical art and photography from around the globe — each piece a testament to the artists’ technical brilliance and deep reverence for nature. I found myself mesmerised by the delicacy of Japanese cherry blossom renderings, intrigued by the sculptural vibrancy of Australia’s ‘Kangaroo Paw’ plants, and moved by the artworks exploring the traditional cosmetic plants used by Korean women. The photography portfolios, too, span a rich terrain — from the silvery light over Tuscan olive groves to the vivid textures of South Africa’s Acacia cyclops.
What struck me most was how each artist captured not only the beauty of plants but their essential role in human life. Many of this year’s exhibits focus on flora that have served us for generations — whether for beauty, healing, clothing, or fuel. There’s a quiet, powerful message running through the show: a reminder of how closely our lives are entwined with the plant world.
Each submission has been rigorously judged by a panel of experts, who assess not just scientific precision, but aesthetic impact and technical skill. Artists compete for RHS medals — from Bronze to the prestigious Gold — as well as category awards including Best Botanical Artwork, Best Photography Exhibit, and the coveted People’s Choice award, which visitors can vote for online.
What makes this event especially meaningful is how it connects to the Royal Horticultural Society’s long-standing tradition of botanical collecting. The exhibition beautifully complements the RHS Lindley Collections, home to over 30,000 botanical paintings and heritage photographs — a true national treasure.
Charlotte Brooks, RHS Art Curator, put it perfectly: “This year’s exhibit highlights the deep connection between plants and people… and demonstrates the enduring relevance of botanical art.” Having walked through these quiet rooms filled with light, colour, and detail, I couldn’t agree more.
The best part? For the first time, the exhibition is completely free to enter, with donations invited to support the Saatchi Gallery, a registered charity. It’s a rare opportunity to encounter global artistic excellence in an accessible, intimate space.
The RHS Botanical Art & Photography Show is supported by TrinityBridge, a UK-based wealth management firm with a 30-year legacy of guiding individuals and families in making confident financial choices.
If you’re in London this summer and in need of some quiet inspiration, I can’t recommend it enough.
For full details, visit: rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-botanical-art-and-photography-show
Poppy Watt