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3rd
British Shohin Association Exhibition. 1st & 2nd
March 2008
The 3rd annual exhibition organised by the British
Shohin Association too place over the weekend of the 1st
and 2nd of March 2008 and proved to be their biggest
success to date.
As with the previous two exhibitions it was staged at Willowbog
Bonsai near Hexham. Despite being slightly off the beaten track
and the inclement weather, record visitors came through the
doors. Visitors travelled from across the UK and even from
France to what was surely the best display of Shohin and Chuhin
bonsai in one place.
Each of the exhibitors had gone to great lengths to prepare
their compositions, carefully selecting stands, accent plants,
scrolls and of course, the trees. Marco along with many of the
visitors commented that they had never before seen such a high
quality exhibition of shohin bonsai in Europe.
In addition to the numerous shohin and chuhin compositions and
the individual trees exhibits, Six of the best bonsai Potters
from the UK exhibited ranges of their shohin and accent pots.
Some of the designs had never been seen before and along with
their premier, the pots were also silent auction to raise money
for the association. There was also a display of hanging
scrolls painted by Alan Armitage and also donated to the
association. These depicted not only the usual Japanese
influenced designs but also scenes from the UK’s flora and
fauna.
Marco Invernizzi, who is the president of the Association,
conducted two critiques of the displays on the Saturday. These
were very popular and Marco entertained and informed in his
usual enthusiastic manner. Marco explained every detail behind
the compositions, what worked well, what could be improved as
well as answering concisely every question thrown at him. A
great leaning experience for all.
Following Marco critiques was a detailed presentation by John
Armitage on Japanese shohin from John’s experience working at
Nobuichi Urushibata’s nursery in Shizuoka last year. John is
also now the chairman of the BSA.
On the evening of the Saturday was held the gala dinner. No
pomp or ceremony just good food, good conversation and
camaraderie. 6 beautifully crafted trophies would make the
weekend even more special for a few lucky exhibitors. Judging
was done by Marco with many certificates of merits being
awarded due to the high standards.
The awards were:
Best evergreen shohin
Susan Summers
- Juniperus Rigida
Certificate of merit: Roger Oldham Pinus Parviflora
Caroline Steward - Juniperus Chinensis
Russ Farley - Juniperus Chinensis
Best deciduous shohin
Roger Oldham -
Acer Bergerianum
Certificate of merit: Craig Coussins Acer Bergerianum
Russ Farley - Acer Bergerianum
Susan Summers - Ulmus Parvifolia
Best evergreen chuhin
Lee Kennedy -
Juniperus Chinensis Itoigawa
Certificate of merit: John Armitage Juniperus - Chinensis
Itoigawa
Rob Atkinson - Juniperus sp
John Armitage - Juniperus Chinensis Itoigawa
Best deciduous chuhin
John Armitage
- Ulmus Parvifolia
Certificate of merit – Russ Farley Ulmus Parvifolia
Best composition
Roger Oldham
Certificate of merit: John Armitage, Susan Summers, Fiona
Wallace, Russ Farley
Best shohin/chuhin from European origin
Russ Farley
Taxus Baccata
Certificate of merit; Jim Mcurrach - Larix Decidua
Ian Warhurst -Ligustrum Ovalifolium
On the Sunday, Marco conducted a critique of shohin and chuhin
sized trees brought by visitors. These ranged from material
trees through to almost finished specimens. Again this was a
most rewarding and informative session.
Sadly the weekend ended too soon but efforts are already
underway to make next years bigger and better. It will be held
on the 28th of Feb and
the 1st March 2009.
Don’t miss it.
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