Mackenzie Thorpe has been announced as the official artist of the 2019 Welcome to Yorkshire garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. He has created an image specifically for the event, titled ‘Under the Moon and Stars’.

It is inspired by Yorkshire’s garden which celebrates the county’s rich industrial heritage and the beauty of its canals and waterways. The world’s most prestigious flower show, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes places between May 21st and May 25th.

Mackenzie’s evocative artwork captures the essence of Yorkshire’s world-renowned countryside as well as it’s early industrial landscape; in the foreground an adult and child stand under a star and moonlit sky, in a field of wildflowers, beside a canal, looking out to the hills rising in the distance.

Mackenzie Thorpe said:

“It’s a privilege to be asked to create an artwork for the Welcome to Yorkshire garden as they celebrate their 10th anniversary at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. With this painting I really wanted to capture the magic of a summer evening in Yorkshire. We’re so lucky to have such amazing countryside as a natural resource we can all enjoy. The canal and locks are important iconic symbols of the county’s industrial heritage that helped to shape its landscape. Yorkshire’s historic waterways have a powerful, unique beauty that continues to be relevant today.”

This year marks 30 years as a professional artist for Mackenzie Thorpe and his appointment as the official artist of the 2019 Welcome to Yorkshire garden is the latest landmark commission, following his work for this year’s Tour de Yorkshire.

Peter Dodd, Commercial Director of Welcome to Yorkshire said:

“The RHS Chelsea Flower show is just one of the ways we promote our fantastic county to a global audience and we’re delighted Mackenzie has produced this stunning artwork – which helps us shout about the beauty of Yorkshire. The painting has a really magical feel and I’m sure when people see it they will be inspired to visit Yorkshire and experience its many unique qualities at first hand.”

The garden itself is being designed by Mark Gregory who praised Mackenzie’s artwork, adding:

“I really love Mackenzie’s take on this year’s canal scene. He’s captured the elevation, hills and drama of Yorkshire’s waterways beautifully. I particularly love the night time setting and shadow play with the flowers in the foreground. Masterful.”