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WAX Atelier presents ‘The Lost Rosarium of Abney’, an immersive exhibition of lifelike, fragrant wax roses that reimagine the lost botanical wonders of Abney Park.

Once home to a flourishing rosarium with over 1,000 varieties, this historic cemetery and nature reserve was shaped by the vision of renowned horticulturist George Loddiges. A pioneer of 19th-century plant cultivation, Loddiges transformed Abney Park into a living archive of rare and exotic species. Though much of his work has been lost to time, its influence lingers in the landscape. Through sculpture, chandlery and perfumery, WAX Atelier revives these forgotten blooms, capturing their delicate beauty in wax.

At the heart of this exhibition is WAX Atelier’s deep engagement with craft, materiality and sustainability. Founded in 2017 by designer and artist Lola Lely, the London-based studio specialises in handcrafted wax products and beeswax candles. Merging tradition with innovation, they create everyday wax goods for retailers and bespoke commissions for leading galleries, museums and collectors. Their work explores the expressive potential of wax — its versatility, scent and endlessly reusable nature — transforming it into a medium for artistic exploration and storytelling.

‘The Lost Rosarium of Abney’ brings this vision to life, with each sculpted bloom infused with fragrance to evoke the ephemeral beauty of Abney Park’s vanished roses. The exhibition is accompanied by hands-on workshops, where visitors can craft a wax linen flower or experiment with wax-etched printing on ceramic tiles, further immersing themselves in the materiality and techniques behind WAX Atelier’s practice.

By blending heritage, craft and contemporary design, ‘The Lost Rosarium of Abney’ offers a poetic reflection on memory, loss and renewal. WAX Atelier invites audiences to reconnect with Abney Park’s botanical past, while celebrating the enduring artistry of wax as a medium of preservation and transformation.