A Season of Flowers: Floral Treasures on Display at Brodsworth Hall

About

Exhibition dates: 28 March to 1 November 2026

A new exhibition at Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire is offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore a collection of floral-themed objects never previously displayed. A Season of Flowers will present a curated selection of personal items, historic artefacts and newly created displays that reflect the horticultural passion of former resident Sylvia Grant-Dalton.

Exploring a passion for flowers at Brodsworth Hall

Announced by English Heritage, the exhibition examines the life and interests of Sylvia Grant-Dalton through the lens of her enthusiasm for gardening and floral design. From decorative objects to personal possessions, the display highlights how flowers shaped both the domestic life and daily routines within the house.

Visitors can expect to see:

• A diverse collection of floral-themed artefacts
• Historic photographs and family memorabilia
• Oral history recordings from former staff and residents
• Large-scale floral installations inspired by historic artworks

The exhibition provides insight into the relationships between the house, its gardens and the people who lived and worked there.

A recreated flower preparation room

A key feature of the exhibition is the recreation of Sylvia Grant-Dalton’s flower preparation room. Previously thought to be a woodworking space, recent research has revealed that this room was used for potting plants and arranging flowers brought in from the gardens.

The restored space will include:

• A soundscape inspired by the gardens at Brodsworth Hall
• Archival audio recordings from staff and family members
• Interpretation exploring daily routines and domestic life

These elements combine to present a more complete picture of how the gardens influenced activity within the house.

Stories from the house and its gardens

The exhibition will feature a range of personal stories that illustrate life at Brodsworth Hall across the twentieth century. Oral histories recount both everyday moments and memorable events, including anecdotes from long-serving staff and members of the Grant-Dalton family.

Historic photographs of gardeners will be displayed alongside contemporary recreations produced by local photography groups, offering a visual link between past and present. A family-friendly trail will also guide younger visitors through the house and gardens, encouraging engagement with nature and heritage.

Floral displays and artistic interpretation

The dining room will host a large tablescape installation created by floristry students from Doncaster College. Inspired by a Dutch still life painting in the collection, the display will incorporate faux flowers, butterflies and natural motifs, reflecting Sylvia’s appreciation for floral art.

In addition, the garden team will produce a fresh floral arrangement every two weeks, using plants grown on site. These displays will be installed in the entrance hall, providing a changing visual element throughout the exhibition period.

Highlights from the collection

A selection of objects from the Brodsworth Hall collection will be shown to the public for the first time, with some items rotated during the exhibition run. Highlights include:

• A Victorian gilt jardinière with restored decorative detailing
• A floral needlepoint cushion combining beadwork and embroidery
• A nineteenth-century photograph album with hand-painted botanical illustrations
• German porcelain candelabras with intricate floral decoration
• A gold, diamond and amethyst locket with enamelled flower motifs
• A Japanese-style fan produced for the London and North Eastern Railway
• Personal jewellery, textiles and accessories featuring floral designs
• A collection of mid-twentieth-century gardening books and publications

These objects collectively demonstrate the enduring role of flowers in both decorative arts and everyday life at the hall.

Engaging visitors of all ages

The exhibition has been designed to appeal to a broad audience, with interactive and accessible elements throughout. Families can take part in a dedicated trail, while audio and visual interpretation will support a deeper understanding of the house’s social and cultural history.

By combining archival material with contemporary creative responses, the exhibition connects historical narratives with present-day perspectives.

Planning a visit

• Exhibition: A Season of Flowers
• Location: Brodsworth Hall, South Yorkshire
• Dates: 28 March to 1 November 2026
• Admission: Included with standard house entry

A Season of Flowers offers an in-depth look at the personal interests and daily life of Sylvia Grant-Dalton, while showcasing a wide range of objects connected by a shared floral theme. Through this exhibition, visitors can explore how gardens and creativity shaped life at Brodsworth Hall across generations.