London’s most celebrated private members’ club has unveiled a collaboration that transforms its Garden into a living canvas of English summer splendour. Annabel’s has joined forces with de Gournay, creators of hand-painted wallpapers and hand-embroidered wallcoverings, to present “An English Summer Garden” , an installation that captures the essence of Britain’s most cherished season.
This partnership brings together two titans of design excellence, each known for their commitment to artisanal craftsmanship and decorative heritage. The collaboration, which launched on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, represents a masterful interpretation of the English garden tradition, reimagined through the lens of contemporary luxury hospitality.
A Vision of Summer Perfection
The transformation of Annabel’s Garden centres on de Gournay’s signature hand-painted wallpapers, which have been strategically positioned throughout The Garden to create what the designers describe as “verdant moments of focus.” These carefully curated pieces serve as artistic anchors, subtly bridging the traditional boundaries between interior decoration and outdoor space.
The installation extends far beyond wallpaper. Custom-designed menus bearing de Gournay’s distinctive aesthetic complement specially composed tablescapes, each one a carefully orchestrated symphony of colour, texture, and botanical beauty. Potted plants and abundant greenery have been thoughtfully arranged to add depth and authenticity, evoking the layered complexity of the quintessential English landscape.
Most striking are the botanical parasols and bespoke lampshades, each one individually hand-painted by de Gournay’s master artisans. These pieces provide practical functionality while serving as floating works of art, casting dappled shadows that dance across the dining spaces below. Even the Club’s seasonal uniforms have been reimagined for this collaboration, featuring custom botanical accents that ensure every member of the team contributes to the overall aesthetic harmony.
The Art of Handcrafted Excellence
De Gournay’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship has been built over nearly four decades of dedication to traditional techniques and artistic innovation. Founded in 1984 by Claud Cecil Gurney alongside his nephew Dominic Evans-Freke, and now continued by his daughters Hannah and Rachel, the company has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in decorative arts.
The installation at Annabel’s demonstrates the full range of de Gournay’s capabilities, from their celebrated Chinoiserie collections to their contemporary artistic interpretations. Each piece has been specifically created for this collaboration, ensuring that guests experience something entirely unique.
Hannah Cecil Gurney, Director at de Gournay, explained the inspiration behind the collaboration: “We wanted to evoke the charm and romance of an English garden at the height of summer through this hand-painted installation.”
This artistic philosophy permeates every aspect of the installation, from the largest wallpaper panels to the smallest decorative details. The result is an environment that feels both authentically English and refreshingly contemporary, a space where traditional garden design principles meet cutting-edge artistic expression.
A Toast to Summer: The Perrier-Jouët Partnership
Annabel’s has secured Perrier-Jouët as the official champagne partner for the duration of this collaboration. The prestigious Maison, with its own rich history of artistic partnerships and botanical inspiration, proves an ideal complement to the garden theme.
Throughout The Garden, guests can enjoy a carefully curated selection of Perrier-Jouët champagnes, including the Grand Brut NV, Blason Rosé NV, and the exceptional Belle Epoque 2016. Each champagne has been chosen for its exceptional quality and how its flavour profile complements the floral and botanical themes of the installation.
The partnership extends beyond simple service. Drawing inspiration from the floral notes characteristic of Perrier-Jouët’s champagnes and the seasonal abundance of summer blooms, the collaboration has produced a bespoke menu featuring the Maison’s anemone motif. This distinctive design element, which has adorned Perrier-Jouët bottles since 1902, finds new expression in the context of Annabel’s garden setting.
Most exciting for regular visitors is the introduction of a limited edition Annabel’s Garden Spritz, crafted specifically for this collaboration using Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut as its base. This exclusive cocktail represents the perfect marriage of the champagne house’s expertise with Annabel’s understanding of its members’ refined tastes.
The Heritage of Artistic Collaboration
The partnership between Annabel’s and de Gournay represents more than a commercial arrangement: it embodies a shared commitment to preserving decorative heritage while finding new ways to make traditional techniques relevant for contemporary audiences. Both organisations have built their reputations on understanding that true luxury lies in careful attention to detail and the preservation of artisanal skills.
For de Gournay, this collaboration continues a long tradition of working with prestigious venues and discerning clients worldwide. The company’s portfolio includes collaborations with leading designers and artists, each project pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary vision.
Annabel’s has consistently positioned itself at the forefront of hospitality design since its founding over six decades ago. The club’s current location at 46 Berkeley Square, housed within a Grade I listed Georgian townhouse, provides the perfect backdrop for this type of artistic intervention. The building’s historic architecture serves as a counterpoint to the contemporary artistic elements, creating a dialogue between past and present that enriches both.
The Philosophy of Seasonal Design
The concept of seasonal design has deep roots in both British culture and luxury hospitality. The idea that a space should evolve with the natural rhythms of the year reflects a sophisticated understanding of how environment affects mood, behaviour, and experience. By embracing this philosophy, Annabel’s demonstrates its commitment to providing members with experiences that feel fresh throughout the year.
The English summer theme chosen for this installation carries particular cultural resonance. Despite Britain’s reputation for unpredictable weather, the English summer garden remains one of the nation’s most cherished cultural exports. From the formal gardens of great estates to the cottage gardens of rural villages, the tradition of English garden design has influenced landscape architecture worldwide.
By bringing this tradition indoors, the collaboration creates an idealised summer environment that can be enjoyed regardless of London’s famously fickle weather. Guests can experience the romance and beauty of an English summer garden in its most perfect form, enhanced by the artistic vision of one of the world’s leading decorative arts companies.
Craftsmanship in the Modern Age
In an era increasingly dominated by mass production and digital reproduction, the collaboration between Annabel’s and de Gournay serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring value of handcrafted excellence. Every element of the installation, from the largest wallpaper panels to the smallest decorative accessories, bears the mark of human artistry and skill.
This commitment to handcrafted quality reflects broader trends within the luxury sector, where discerning consumers increasingly seek out experiences and products that offer authenticity and individual character. The installation demonstrates how traditional techniques can be successfully reinterpreted for contemporary settings without losing their essential character or quality.
The botanical parasols represent a perfect fusion of practical functionality and artistic expression. Each one is individually hand-painted, ensuring that no two are exactly alike. This subtle variation adds richness and depth to the overall installation while celebrating the inherent unpredictability and organic nature of hand-crafted work.
A Living Work of Art
What sets this installation apart from static decorative schemes is its integration of living elements. The abundant greenery and carefully selected potted plants ensure that the space continues to evolve throughout the summer months. This organic evolution means that returning visitors will discover subtle differences in their experience, as plants grow and seasons progress.
This approach reflects a sophisticated understanding of how luxury hospitality can move beyond simple service provision to offer genuinely transformative experiences. By creating an environment that engages all the senses, the installation offers guests something approaching the total work of art that the Victorians called Gesamtkunstwerk.
The specially composed tablescapes deserve particular mention for their attention to detail and seasonal appropriateness. Each table setting has been designed to complement the overall aesthetic and improve the dining experience itself. The integration of de Gournay designs into the menu presentation ensures that even the most practical elements of service contribute to the overall artistic vision.
Looking Forward
As one of London’s most recognised and influential hospitality venues, Annabel’s continues to set standards for how luxury establishments can integrate serious artistic content into their operations. The collaboration with de Gournay represents the latest chapter in the club’s ongoing commitment to placing design at the core of its identity, much like the carefully curated environments seen in Christie’s prestigious house collections.
The installation will remain in place throughout the summer months, allowing both regular members and visitors to experience the full seasonal arc of the English garden theme. This extended timeframe reflects the ambitious scope of the project and the partners’ commitment to creating something substantial rather than ephemeral.
The success of this collaboration may well influence how other luxury venues approach seasonal programming and artistic partnerships. By demonstrating that serious decorative art can be successfully integrated into working hospitality spaces, Annabel’s and de Gournay have created a model that could inspire similar projects across the luxury sector, complementing the growing appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship seen in exhibitions like those at Houghton Hall’s historic setting.
“An English Summer Garden” at Annabel’s represents more than an installation or a marketing collaboration. It stands as a celebration of British cultural heritage, artistic craftsmanship, and the enduring power of beautiful design to transform everyday experiences. In an age where authenticity and artisanal quality are increasingly prized, this partnership offers a glimpse of how traditional luxury can evolve while remaining true to its essential values.
For members and guests fortunate enough to experience this remarkable transformation, The Garden offers something rare in contemporary London: a space where art, nature, and hospitality combine to create an environment that feels both timelessly English and refreshingly contemporary.
