Monty Don sculpture made from Dartmoor wool delights crowds at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

A life-sized sculpture of gardening presenter Monty Don, made using Dartmoor wool, was one of the more unexpected highlights at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Created by Tina Parkes, director of the British Academy of Floral Art, the figure was crafted entirely from natural materials and displayed at the Twool stand during the prestigious five-day event, which concluded last week.

The sculpture featured a mix of hay, moss, wire and dried leaves, with Twool, a sustainable fibre made from Dartmoor sheep’s wool, used to create Monty Don’s distinctive hair and hands. 

His face, shaped from dried leaves, added a warm and characterful touch to the tribute.

“I wanted to create something that felt both humorous and heartfelt,” said Ms Parkes.

“Monty Don represents a deep connection with nature and gardening. Using natural materials to sculpt him felt like the perfect tribute and a great creative challenge.”

The project was a collaboration between the British Academy of Floral Art and Twool, a Devon-based brand that champions sustainable British wool.

Also drawing smiles at the stand was Ned, a willow-woven dog wearing a floral collar, keeping Monty company throughout the show.

The sculpture proved a talking point for visitors and featured in the BBC’s coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.