The English rose is an iconic symbol of the British isles that evokes royalty, war and beautiful women - a potent combination. For this project i wanted to celebrate the beauty of the roses from which these connotations are born.
To capture these wonderful blooms i worked with David Austin Roses, the most renowned grower of English roses.
Over the course of two summers I set up a small studio at the headquarters of David Austin in Wolverhampton, using a bright blue background as a stark contrast to the array of colours you find in roses.
I was assisted by senior rosarian Michael Marriott who selected the best examples of each variety of rose for me to photograph.
My goal was simple to capture the diversity and beauty of this symbolic flower.