A new artist-in-residence programme has been launched at a garden.

RHS Garden Bridgewater in Walkden has teamed up with the University of Salford Art Collection to introduce the project.

The initiative aims to give visitors a 'fresh artistic perspective' of the garden, working with visual artist and photographer, Dr Yan Wang Preston.

Dr Preston will start her residency by focusing on the largely off-limits Worsley New Hall site.

This will involve research and development, exploring the stories within what is described as a 'cosmopolitan wilderness'.

Daniel Atherton, RHS regional interpretation coordinator, said: "This part of the garden holds a fascinating history, shaped by the estate’s rich past, from its industrial roots to its horticultural rebirth.

"The project will explore the hidden stories within this ‘cosmopolitan wilderness’, revealing the connections between nature, history, and diverse cultures around the world."

The project will then move on to a public programme starting in March 2025, featuring workshops and a pop-up display at RHS Garden Bridgewater.

Dr Preston's work will be showcased in spring/summer 2026 with new outdoor installations in the garden.

A final exhibition will be held at the Salford Museum and Art Gallery in autumn 2026.

Dr Preston, known for her 'stunning' photographic projects that explore the relationship between humans and the natural world, has expressed her excitement about the residency.

She said: "I’m delighted to have this opportunity to work with RHS Bridgewater.

"Plants and flowers enrich our lives with so much beauty and vitality.

"Like people, they come from long journeys full of fascinating stories."

Based in West Yorkshire, Dr Preston is also a 'passionate gardener' and lecturer in photography at the University of Huddersfield.

She has won numerous awards, including the Royal Photographic Society’s inaugural Photographer of Environmental Responsibility Award in 2023.

The artist-in-residence programme is part of the University of Salford’s broader commitment to promoting creativity, sustainability, and healthy living.

The project will provide opportunities for students, staff, and communities to take part in the garden’s heritage through art, while also contributing to the University’s long-term goals of innovation and environmental responsibility.

Lindsay Taylor, curator of the University of Salford Art Collection, said: "We are so excited to be partnering with RHS Bridgewater, which is right on our doorstep.

"I’ve long admired Yan’s incredible work, especially her focus on the natural world, and we’re thrilled to see this collaboration come to life."

The artist-in-residence programme is expected to 'inspire a deeper connection between the public, the garden, and the art it can inspire, offering a unique and creative way to experience one of the UK’s most beautiful gardens.'

More information about the RHS Garden Bridgewater artist-in-residence programme and upcoming events can be found at rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/artist-in-residence.