Fulham Palace unveils monumental upside-down pineapple
To commemorate the 50th
anniversary of opening its house and gardens to the public, Fulham Palace
unveils ANANAS, a monumental upside-down pineapple by London artist Annie
Trevorah.
The visually striking
sculpture is inspired by the historic pinery-vinery at Fulham Palace, a rare
example of a pineapple and grape greenhouse built by Bishop Howley during his
residency at the palace in the early 19th century.
Trevorah’s particular area of
interest is human-plant inter-connectivity and intra-dependence. The main
sculpture's lattice design blends in with the blooms and architecture of the
walled gardens while reflecting the episcopal coat of arms. Four totems
celebrating the shared characteristics of vegetables and humans complement the
display as they rise above the formal planting of the knot garden section.
The pineapple (Ananas
comosus), a tropical plant indigenous to South America, was first
introduced to Europe in the 17th century and has fascinated plant enthusiasts
and scientists, architects and artists ever since. Its cultivation relied on
the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans. Initially an expression of power
and wealth, it has become a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange in
modern times.
The unveiling coincides with
the ongoing exhibition The Bishops of
London, colonialism and transatlantic slavery at Fulham Palace.
23 April – 10 June 2024
Open daily
from 10.30am to 5.00pm, free admission
Fulham Palace House & Garden, Bishop’s Avenue, London SW6 6EA
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