Crafted with Purpose: Our Collaboration with Fine Cell Work

This year’s Chelsea Flower Show marks a particularly meaningful milestone in the story of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, as we partner with the remarkable charity Fine Cell Work on a project that brings together heritage, rehabilitation, and craft.

At the heart of this collaboration is a simple but powerful idea: giving a second life to our iconic scarlet jackets - the ceremonial uniform worn with pride by the Chelsea Pensioners. In partnership with Fine Cell Work, these decommissioned coats have been carefully deconstructed and transformed into a range of beautifully hand-crafted cushions and accessories.

Each piece has been made by individuals in Fine Cell Work’s prison workshops and post-release programmes, as part of their mission to support rehabilitation through needlework and textile training. This work not only produces items of genuine quality, but also gives participants purpose, dignity, and new skills for life beyond custody.

The project began in Fine Cell Work’s Battersea workshop with the dismantling of a single scarlet coat - unpicked stitch by stitch by members of the Chelsea Pensioner community. Among them were  Chelsea Pensioners Anne Lloyd and Keith Pendleton, who spoke of the pride and symbolism woven into every seam. Anne explained the pride she felt when first putting on her scarlet coat:

Oh it's wonderful, it's such a privilege. As soon as you put it on, you're six inches taller.

Their contribution helped guide the design of the pieces now available at this year’s Show. You’ll find the finished items featured in the London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden, designed by Dave Green, which reflects themes of resilience, calm, and communal pride. After the Show, the garden will be permanently relocated to the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea - creating a lasting space for our veterans to enjoy.