To celebrate British Flowers Week this year we look at some of the people behind beautiful British flowers, foliage and plants in the UK.
In our first video interview of the week Simon Lycett chats with Shane Connolly all about their amazing careers, love for the Flower Market and their passion for British flowers.
About Simon Lycett
Since 1993 when Simon was asked to arrange the flowers for the smash-hit film ‘Four Weddings And A Funeral’ his work has been much in demand for every type of event from stunning yet modest parties to decadent dinners and magical weddings the world over, as well as TV, commercials, radio, films and premieres. This iconic film celebrated it’s 25 year anniversary in March 2019 with ‘One Red Nose Day and A Wedding’ when Simon reunited with the original cast and supplied in excess of 5,000 floral stems.
The names of Simon’s clients are synonymous with high profile and glamour such as Sir Elton John, Sir Ringo Starr and Thandie Newton. Simon has created the wedding decorations for Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at Windsor Castle, David and Victoria Beckham, Viscount and Viscountess Weymouth, Cheryl Cole and most recently the State Entrance, the Grand Staircase and the Grand Reception Room for the wedding of HRH Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank.
Simon Lycett is an advocate for New Covent Garden Market and British Flowers Week.
Visit his website here: www.simonlycett.co.uk.
About Shane Connolly
Shane’s early career was influenced by Michael Goulding OBE and he trained at London’s Pulbrook and Gould, before starting his business in 1989.
In 2005 Shane was honoured and delighted to be asked by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to design her bouquet and the flowers for her marriage to HRH The Prince of Wales and the service of dedication in Windsor. His company has held a Royal Warrant of Appointment from HRH The Prince of Wales since 2006 and was responsible for all floral decorations at the wedding of TRH The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.
His company has held a Royal Warrant of Appointment from HRH The Prince of Wales since 2006 and from HM The Queen since 2014.
Internationally renowned, the values of the business have been described as English, seasonal and organic, where flowers (and often growing plants) are used primarily for their own intrinsic qualities. Sustainability is Shane’s guide always and the use of seasonal, British flowers is his mainstay.
Shane is responsible for helping bring British Flowers Week to the Garden Museum for the last two years. Creating the opportunity for New Covent Garden Market to open their campaign to the public for the first time.
Visit his website here: www.shaneconnolly.co.uk
