Sevenoaks artist Anna Clement is set to host her very first solo exhibition, ‘From the Garden,’ at the beautiful Great Comp Garden in Platt, near Borough Green from 29–31 August 2026. The three-day event, taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, marks a special milestone for both the artist and the venue, as it will be the inaugural art exhibition held in Great Comp’s newly renovated Garden Room.

The exhibition will feature botanical art and paintings directly inspired by the spectacular seven-acre garden, home to romantic follies, an Italian Garden, 17th century manor house and sweeping hot and cool borders filled with perennials and salvias. Visitors can expect to see her vibrant interpretations of the natural world, capturing the shifting seasons and the quiet beauty of the plants at Great Comp.

A former chartered surveyor who raised her family in Sevenoaks, Clement is a self-taught artist who has been painting her entire life. Anna grew up in Petts Wood, but has lived in the Sevenoaks area for 30 years and is an active member of both the Stone Street Art Group and the St Lawrence Art Group.

Despite her lifelong passion for the canvas, and having previously exhibited extensively in London and throughout the South East of England (including Great Comp’s Summer Show), this is her first solo showcase.

For Clement, the exhibition is deeply personal and rooted in her love for the local landscape. Her relationship with Great Comp Garden began through a shared horticultural interest. “We discovered the garden via William [Dyson] and his salvias. I’m a keen gardener, and wanted some salvias for the garden – we went to explore and fell in love with the place”.

When asked about her inspiration, Clement notes her affinity for the changing environment: “I love all the seasons, but Spring is wonderful – you have everything ahead of you.  Autumn is beautiful, but spring I like the best – especially at Great Comp with the magnolias in full bloom.”

Clement will be in residence throughout the three-day event, eager to engage with visitors. For her, the focus of the weekend is community and shared passions.  “It’s not about sales; it’s about connecting with people, and talking about art and the garden at Great Comp – two subjects I love.  The perfect combination!“

A First for the Garden Room 

Great Comp Garden has undergone restoration work over the last few years, including saving the roof and renovating the Garden Room for public use.

Chair of trustees for Great Comp Garden David Chesover said of the event: “This is a real milestone for Great Comp in our regeneration story. It’s the first exhibition to be housed in the newly renovated Garden Room. Just a few years ago, the idea of being able to open the Garden Room was just a dream, so having it ready now for public use—and having Anna share her artwork here – is wonderful. We hope visitors are as inspired by the garden as Anna and the team are!”

Exhibition Details:

Event: “From the Garden” – Art Exhibition by Anna Clement, Saturday 29 August to Bank Holiday Monday 31 August 2026, The Garden Room, Great Comp Garden’s 17th-century manor house, Sevenoaks Entry: Visitors are welcome to attend the exhibition free of charge (entry via the front door of Great Comp House). Standard admission applies for those wishing to explore the  garden.

For more information about the exhibition, please visit the Great Comp Garden website.