Alison Gartshore, the production designer behind Bridgerton, shed light on the arduous labor and meticulous craftsmanship that culminated in the enchanting botanical ball garden featured in season three, episode six of the smash-hit Netflix series. This season revolves around the blossoming romance between Penelope Featherington, portrayed by Nicola Coughlan, and Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Gartshore revealed the pressing timeline they faced: with mere days to spare before the lead couple's grand entrance against the backdrop of the floral pop-up garden. "Whenever the special effects team required the magical box to open, our exterior work came to a halt," she elaborated. "We had to synchronize our efforts, stepping aside when they needed the space, and leaping into action with our paintbrushes, scalpels, and glue the instant it was closed again. It was a race against time, and we had to pull it off flawlessly."
The design team meticulously selected flora inspired by the 18th and 19th centuries, meticulously painting 12 distinct pieces and tiling them with subtle variations to ensure they complemented, rather than detracted from, the actors' captivating performances. From conception to completion, the construction of this set spanned approximately 10 to 12 weeks.
Initially conceptualized as the butterfly ball, a last-minute twist thrown by showrunner Jess Brownell necessitated an additional moment of grandeur for the queen's arrival. Gartshore opted for faux florals due to the prolonged shooting schedule and the challenging studio conditions. "Shooting a scene for nearly a week meant that real flowers wouldn't hold up," she explained.
Hence, the idea for the pop-up floral centerpiece was conceived. While the concept of an unfolding petal centerpiece seemed straightforward, Gartshore emphasized, "The simplest ideas are often the most challenging to execute." The intricate structure took a week to assemble, crafted from painted paper petals that revealed a hidden garden within. The special effects team engineered the mechanics to ensure a synchronized leaf opening, creating a breathtaking reveal.
"There's no CGI involved; it's all practical magic," she added. "It pushed everyone to their limits."
Looking ahead, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming season of Bridgerton, set to premiere in 2026, which will focus on the love story between Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Baek.
