To celebrate the partnership between London Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens, Vanessa was commissioned to create a massive 20 ft wide botanical tapestry. By using a range of artisanal techniques...
To celebrate the partnership between London Heathrow Airport and Kew Gardens, Vanessa was commissioned to create a massive 20 ft wide botanical tapestry. By using a range of artisanal techniques such as latch hooking, felt needling, craving, and crochet, she outlined a textural surface to imitate a World Map.
Diverse climates and topography are represented by the group of yarns. Australia and Africa are in warm colors, whereas the rainforests in South America and the peak of the highest mountain in Central Asia are decorated with furry deep greens and coiling crocheted ridges. Vanessa integrated plants into the artwork, such as Chinese Ginkgo Biloba, European lady’s-slipper orchid, and African coffee. The process of weaving the tapestry took 520 hours with deploying 8kg of jute and cotton as well as 42kg of recycled wool. The work is on view at the Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 departure area, echoing the global travelers.
Vanessa created a series of mini botanical tapestries using the same techniques and recycled materials from this commissioned work.