London Flower Show Goes Political

LONDON—For the first time this year, the Chelsea flower show, whose gala preview is traditionally attended by members of the royal family, cabinet members, and business leaders, is including an overtly political installation, reports the Times (London).

The work depicts an outline of a body with blood splatters executed in white and red rose petals. The artist, Tony Smith, says it symbolizes Britain sending soldiers into combat in Iraq and Afghanistan without adequate protection. “I was surprised they even accepted something as political as this,” said Smith, a first-time exhibitor.

Bob Sweet, organizer of the show, which is expecting more than 150,000 visitors, said it welcomed works that were a “rallying cry.”