Winning Design Unveiled for ‘Reimagining Play' at Dulwich Picture Gallery
The winning design concept for the playable sculptural commission.
The London Festival of Architecture and Dulwich Picture Gallery are thrilled to announce the winning design for the ‘Reimagining Play’ competition: A Gift of Flowers, created by McCloy + Muchemwa in collaboration with HoLD Collective and Cake Industries. This vibrant, playful installation reimagines Jan van Huysum’s masterpiece Vase with Flowers (c.1715), part of Dulwich Picture Gallery's world-famous collection, into a striking, interactive sculpture that will transform the Gallery’s historic grounds.
Cake Industries, McCloy + Muchemwa, HoLD Collective.
A design rooted in play, creativity, and sustainability
Drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of van Huysum’s Vase with Flowers, A Gift of Flowers brings bold petal-like forms to life using reclaimed steel painted in vivid, weatherproof hues. These vibrant structures are designed to invite climbing, sliding, and resting, creating a space that sparks imagination and fosters connections between art, nature, and community. The installation’s design encourages sensory engagement, transforming the Gallery’s gardens into an inclusive environment for visitors of all ages.
Jan van Huysum, Vase with Flowers, c.1715.
The inspiration for the winning sculptural design.
The project’s development has been deeply collaborative, involving local families through a series of engagement workshops. These sessions have not only shaped the design but will continue as the project evolves, ensuring the installation reflects the unique needs and aspirations of its community. By prioritising this participatory approach, the team aims to create a playful yet meaningful addition to Dulwich’s historic grounds that resonates with its users on a personal level.
The winning design concept for the playable sculptural commission.
Perspectives from the team
Rosa Rogina, Director of the London Festival of Architecture, praised the winning design: “This imaginative design perfectly captures the essence of play and creativity, transforming Jan van Huysum’s timeless artwork into an immersive experience. We are excited about the next phase of the project, which will see the winning team working with local communities and groups to translate their design concept into a piece of public art to inspire joy and wonder for all ages with the beauty of Dulwich’s gardens as a backdrop.”
Chantelle Culshaw, Deputy Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery, added: “This unique collaboration brings to life Dulwich Picture Gallery and London Festival of Architecture’s vision for a fun, interactive and inclusive commission, which will reinvigorate a currently under-used part of our grounds. This iconic sculpture will encourage sensory-led, playful interactions with people of all ages. The team have placed access at the forefront of their design and have carefully considered sustainability using recycled materials, which will allow families to enjoy the sculpture for years to come.”
The winning design concept for the playable sculptural commission.
British Nigerian Artist & Designer Yinka Ilori MBE, a member of the judging panel, shared his enthusiasm for the winning design: “I’d like to warmly congratulate McCloy + Muchemwa, HoLD Collective and Cake Industries on winning this year’s ‘Reimagining Play’ competition. Their creation, A Gift of Flowers, immediately captivated me with its striking design, vibrant colours, dynamic composition, and sensorial textures. I’ve always been an advocate for accessible art and play too, so loved how this work is interactive and able to be enjoyed by visitors of all ages. I’m excited to see it come to life in 2026!”
The winning design concept for the playable sculptural commission.
Looking ahead
Part of Dulwich Picture Gallery’s ambitious Open Art project, A Gift of Flowers will remain in the sculpture garden for the next decade. The Gallery is actively fundraising to realise this transformative vision, with the unveiling planned for 2026.
The London Festival of Architecture and Dulwich Picture Gallery thank everyone who participated in the ‘Reimagining Play’ competition and look forward to welcoming visitors to experience this extraordinary addition to the Gallery’s grounds. Stay tuned for updates as we bring this exciting project to life.
Learn more about the project and support its development.