The many ways in which the natural world works its way into the world of fashion and design will be explored by a new exhibition this summer. Second Nature will investigate the enduring relationship between fashion and nature, illustrating the powerful influence of the environment on design, patterns, materials and production across the fashion industry.

Featuring a collection of fashion designers working to the highest level of the craft, Second Nature will run from 17 May to 7 July at PM Gallery, the extension to one of Sir John Soane’s great architectural treasures, Pitzhanger Manor in Ealing, west London. Sitting in Walpole Park, central Ealing, Pitzhanger Manor is the ‘dream house’ designed by Soane as a place to entertain his friends and display his collection of art and antiquities.

Including film, illustration and sound, as well as textiles and garments, Second Nature will present a collection which includes prints influenced by the forms and patterns of plants and flowers, elaborate plumage incorporated into millinery and durable outdoor fashions employing natural fabrics.

The exhibition was inspired by Soane’s work and, in particular, the ways in which he used architectural effects and trompe l’oeil to bring the outside world into his buildings. His country retreat, Pitzhanger Manor, is a striking example of his fascination with the workings of nature,
evident in such details as the elaborate ‘bird of paradise’ wallpaper in the Upstairs Drawing Room and the rose garden he planted at the back of the House.

Curator Gemma Williams said “Soane brought the natural world indoors with his designs and interiors, while fashion has been weaving the environment into its creations for many years. Our new exhibition will provide a vibrant review of the inventive ways in which widely varied designers have continued to return to nature for inspiration. That this will happen within a masterful example of Soane’s craft is a real joy for us and the combination of exhibits and setting will provide a feast for the eyes.”

A collection of accessory designers and sculptors will create its own ‘cabinet of curiosities’ filled with myriad intricate objects. Artists and designers featured in the cabinet include Nora Fok, Simon Costin, Dandi Maestre, Anthony Roussel, Rebecca Hannon, Jordan Askill, Natalie Shabtai, Lara Jensen, Robyn Coles, Tomihiro Kono and Yasemen Hussein.

PM Gallery & House
Walpole Park
Mattock Lane, Ealing
London W5 5EQ United Kingdom
Ph. +44 (0)20 85671227
pmgallery&house@ealing.gov.uk
www.ealing.gov.uk

Opening hours
Tuesday - Friday from 1pm to 5pm
Saturday from 11am to 5pm