“FORCED” - JULY 2026

Forced draws inspiration from the historic rhubarb forcing sheds. These dark, candlelit spaces have long been used to cultivate Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb, where plants are coaxed into growth in near darkness, producing their distinctive vibrant pink stems.

The installation reimagines this remarkable process through layers of moss, soil, grasses and rich Yorkshire-grown foliage, from which vivid pinks, fresh greens and delicate blooms emerge. Soft candlelight echoes the atmosphere of the forcing sheds, inviting viewers into a landscape that feels both grounded and quietly magical.

Forced is a celebration of resilience, transformation and the hidden beauty that can flourish in darkness. Rooted in local heritage yet interpreted through a contemporary floral lens, the work honours one of Yorkshire’s most iconic traditions while encouraging visitors to look more closely at the natural world around them.