Botanical art collection in Hadleigh wins prestigious award

A collection of botanical paintings paying homage to artist Cedric Morris has won a prestigious award.

An intricate set of watercolour paintings, consisting of 27 bearded irises, scooped the Botanical Art Award from the Finnis Scott Foundation – and a £10,000 prize.

The accolade is awarded to botanical art groups to recognise innovative projects and ideas.

Co-ordinated by Hadleigh town and district councillor Dr Sian Dawson, who is an accomplished botanical illustrator, the initiative was designed to showcase Morris’ work and promote botanical art.

As part of the project, Dr Dawson worked in collaboration with the East Anglian Botanical Artists and Chelsea Florilegium Society.

“The generosity and accolade of the Finish Scott Award is quite overwhelming,” said Dr Dawson.

“To date, more than £2.6 million has been awarded to support good causes in the two fields in which the Scotts so distinguished themselves.”

The watercolour paintings feature large varieties of irises, which Morris was renowned for cultivating and incorporated in to his work.

The collection of paintings have been gifted to Gainsborough’s House in Sudbury and will be showcased in the art gallery.

“I am delighted to receive such a prestigious award, which is considered the highest accolade on behalf of all the artists who so graciously donated their paintings,” said Dr Dawson.

“I’m so pleased that a Suffolk museum has retained this unique collection, which is considered the finest florilegium of iris paintings worldwide.”

The prize money will help to fund various elements of the project.