The SEA LIFE TRUST is thrilled to announce a showstopping partnership with acclaimed British sculptor Tom Hiscocks for this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show; a collaboration that puts marine conservation at the heart of one of the UK’s most iconic cultural events.
Together, they will unveil ‘Lenny’ – a breathtaking, life-size stainless-steel sculpture of a Great White Shark. Measuring over four metres in length and suspended dramatically above a rusted shark cage, Lenny is the striking centrepiece of Tom Hiscock’s display at the show, offering visitors a bold, immersive experience that blends art, nature, and activism.
But before Lenny even arrives in Chelsea, the adventure begins on the road. The sculptor and charity are encouraging the public to keep their eyes peeled ahead of the show, as the shark will be travelling over 160 miles from Tom’s studio in Telford to the show ground in Chelsea, creating a truly jaw-dropping moment for motorway-goers across the country.
This one-of-a-kind collaboration unites Hiscocks’ powerful sculptural storytelling with the SEA LIFE TRUST’s mission to protect marine life across the globe. It’s a creative call to action, using art not just to raise awareness, but to spark real change for the world’s most misunderstood ocean guardians.
Graham McGrath, Director of the SEA LIFE TRUST, said:
“We are incredibly excited to partner with Tom Hiscocks to bring ‘Lenny’ to life at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Sharks are vital to the health of our oceans, yet they face increasing threats worldwide. Through this powerful sculpture, we hope to inspire wonder, spark conversation, and encourage urgent action to protect these magnificent creatures for generations to come.”
Sculptor, Tom Hiscocks added:
“I’ve created a marine-inspired garden designed to raise awareness of the urgent need for marine conservation. At its heart is a life-size Stainless-steel Great White Shark, dramatically suspended above a rusted shark cage; into which members of the public are invited to step, offering an immersive and thought-provoking experience.
I’m proud to be collaborating with the SEA LIFE Trust, who will be present on the stand throughout the show. Partnering with them has given this piece true purpose, and I can’t wait for people to experience it for themselves”
Through this unique collaboration and the wider #MeetAtTheShark social media campaign, the SEA LIFE TRUST continues its global commitment to shark conservation, supporting initiatives such as:
Global rewilding: Returning zebra sharks to protected waters in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, through the ReShark StAR programme.
UK citizen science: Building vital data on native shark and skate populations through tagging and research in Hunstanton and Blackpool.
Endangered species tracking: Supporting research into Sand Tiger Sharks off the coast of North Carolina, blending science with community engagement.
As part of this initiative to raise awareness of shark conservation, the SEA LIFE TRUST is launching a community art competition. Participants of all ages are encouraged to create their own piece of “shark art”, whether it is a drawing, painting, digital artwork, or sculpture and submit a photo of their creation to [email protected] by Sunday, 18th May 2025.
Tom Hiscocks himself will judge the entries during the exhibition at RHS Chelsea. The winning artist will receive a family ticket to the SEA LIFE London Aquarium.
The SEA LIFE TRUST and Tom Hiscocks invite everyone to #MeetAtTheShark – to come together, celebrate the majesty of sharks, and highlight the urgent need to safeguard our oceans.
