Spring 2021—Hopes Rise

“Hope rises.” These words appear almost as an arrow on the stem of the torch lily (kniphofia); our eyes drawn to them as a hummingbird would be to the bloom. It is a delicate announcement, a hesitant one. This exquisite piece, Kate Lewis’s largest to date, depicts the gentle, cautious steps out of lockdown from April to June 2021.

 There is an ordered, layered complexity to this wreath. Ferns figure prominently, but they are not filler foliage. Their ancient, primeval presence directs our view around the wreath. Unfurled, they symbolise new life and regrowth, but their feather-like forms also impart order and create space. As the vaccines succeed and the restrictions diminish, we needed that space as we began our tentative emergence from the pandemic.

 This composition of subtropical hothouse flowers acknowledges that life has taken root in a controlled and protected environment. The soft, pastel tones of this wreath are warm and soothing—allowing us to take in the words and images slowly, contemplatively. It is not a season of broad pronouncements and big headlines—it is more the quiet hum of normalcy as testing and vaccines bring some control over the virus.Sporting events and music festivals are being carefully trialled. Wimbledon and Royal Ascot return. Wembley’s growing crowds as England makes it to the finals at the Euros.

The round purple alliums, while telling the stories of the royals, remind us of the cycle of life: the birth of Harry and Meghan’s daughter, Lilibet; the death of Prince Philip.

 Big stories and little stories are given equal weight in this piece: the G7 summit held in Cornwall, the record heat in June. A whale completes a colossal journey across half-the world, another swallows a fisherman in Cape Cod.  A season of firsts: Chloe Zhao becomes the first woman of colour to win a directing Oscar for Nomadland, Britain’s first black billionaire, the first monkey and human embryo.

 With spring, comes light, both real and metaphorical: a giant blinking star in the heart of the Milky Way, the increase in UFO spottings over lockdown, and the “caterpillar cakes wars” heat up as copyright issues pit M&S’s Colin against Aldi’s Cuthbert.

Words by Sloane Warren

Stories from this season include:

“Millions get a boost of bliss at the joy of six after 3 months in lockdown.”

Covid deaths are at their lowest since lockdown. Survey shows Covid-19 vaccinations successful and vaccine passports come under review.

The government gives pecking orders for a May Bank Holiday - no snogging strangers, hug cautiously and do it outdoors.

Hopes rise for mass events being given a green light on 26 June.

England makes it to the final of the Euros 2020. “It’s like emerging from a dream into a strange new light.”

G7 summit held in Cornwall; mention of sea shanties and details of their Cornish menu.

A Cape Cod fisherman is caught in a whale’s mouth for 30 seconds.

A whale’s colossal journey to the other side of the world is a world record for migration covering more than half the circumference of the globe.

Endangered starfish are raised in a laboratory for the first time.

A giant blinking star discovered at the heart of the Milky Way.

Wealth boom brings Britain’s first black billionaire.

Chloé Zhao becomes the first woman of colour to win an Oscar for directing Nomadland, which also wins Best Film.

First monkey and human embryo created. 

Police’s first dog detective to crack down on pet theft.

Boris Johnson, the first Prime Minister in 199 years to get married in office.

Rohingya refugees die at their camp in Bangladesh: 15 die, 400 missing.

Boy of 10 is killed by a kebab meant for woman’s ex-lover. The woman faces death by firing squad in India.

Dozens die in a stampede at Jewish festival Lag B'Omer, Israel.

Fashion designer Alber Ebaz dies of Covid-19.

Prince Philip’s funeral take place.