Spanish Extravaganza

The honour of being asked to put on a Royal Command Exhibition by His Majesty the King of Spain was not taken lightly by Patrick and the family. So after numerous trips to Madrid, organizing everything to the finest detail, the grandest rooms in the Hotel Ritz were transformed into giant vistas of the family farm, printed in the striking colours of an African sun as it greets the early morning. The plinths and displays were adorned with twisting vines of crimson Flame Lilies, the exquisite national flower of Zimbabwe - a shipment of which had been proudly flown to Madrid for the occasion.

As His Majesty was led towards the extravaganza by Patrick and Catja, the magnificent doors to the Salon Alfonso were thrown open and King Juan Carlos II was greeted by a tableau of light: a seventy-foot display of Mavros candelabra with over 180 candles burning in a gleaming jungle of silver equatorial palms, date palms, leadwood trees, mopani trees and the new acacia tree collection. The magical effect of warmth and light was simply spectacular. This shining gallery led on to adjoining rooms where Patrick’s signature wildlife sculptures were displayed for the delight of the King and his Majesty’s 350 guests. Patrick was overwhelmed and humbled by their appreciation and has promised to return to the welcoming capital.



Click on the images for larger versions which will open in a new window