Chelsea Pensioners' famous scarlet uniforms recycled into cushions for Chelsea Flower Show garden
The distinctive scarlet-red jackets worn by the Chelsea Pensioners are being recycled into seat cushions to go on display at the Chelsea Flower Show 2025 in May.
The retired British Army veterans, who live at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, joined a Battersea sewing workshop earlier this month to help give their historic wool garments a new lease of life.
Organised by Fine Cell Work, the veterans unpicked seams, removed buttons, and snipped away at fabric to prepare their iconic coats for repurposing. The swathes of red fabric were then sent to prisons, where they were sewn together by inmates learning skills in embroidery and needlework.
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The finished cushions will add comfort to a curved wooden seating area at the Chelsea Pensioners' first-ever Show Garden, London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden (below). Designed by Dave Green, the woodland garden will feature striking trees and garden boundaries to 'reflect the ceremonial life and stories of the pensioners'.
After the flower show, the Show Garden will become a private space for the Chelsea pensioners to enjoy.
Ms. Lloyd, who moved to the Royal Chelsea Hospital in November last year, recalls the 'wonderful' feeling she had the first time she put her jacket on. She told the BBC: 'It's such a privilege. As soon as you put it on, you're six inches taller. And the joy is also going to be the fact that we can keep it afterwards and then all the pensioners can go and enjoy the garden.'
The pensioners were given new, lighter scarlet coats in 2021, designed to make a difference during events taking place in the summer. As well as cushions, the old jackets are being repurposed into soft furnishings, decor items, and accessories to continue their legacy.
Jordanne Cliffe, who ran the Battersea workshop, comments: 'The original intention when we started Fine Cell Work 26 years ago was to allow prisoners the opportunity to learn new skills in embroidery and needlework.
'About seven years ago we created our post-release programme so that those who have stitched with us when they were in prison, can join us post-release to continue that support.'
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