11. Civil War Mural
Concrete Rose Floral
Travis Gabriel
2026 installation
Second Floor - Key Room
The Inspiration
This allegorical mural painted by H. Siddons Mowbray depicts the American Civil War, featuring allegorical figures of the North, the South, and War at the center and, to the left, a female figure breaking the bonds of slavery. It was commissioned in 1908 by Larz Anderson, who was proud of his ancestors' service in the Union Army.
The Flowers
Recipe: Roses, Ranunculus, Lisianthus, Olive Branches
Florist’s inspiration: The American Civil War was one of the darkest periods in our history, pitting families and neighbors against one another in a conflict of physical violence and ideology. At its core, the war was fought over slavery and the systemic mistreatment of people of color based on an economic system built on bigotry—a struggle that unfortunately continues to resonate today.
THE DESIGNER
Travis Gabriel
Concrete Rose Floral
Travis Gabriel the Owner of Concrete Rose Floral. Born and raised in the Washington DC area and descending from a long line of creatives, Travis has always appreciated nature and its beauty.
Travis’ route to the floral world was a unique one. He landed in the floral industry originally as a floral delivery driver—for over a decade—an experience that forever changed his perspective and appreciation of flowers. Then, he found himself working full time as a floral designer where he has continued his craft. His elegant but modern style has been formed working with top floral designers in the area as well as a stint in wholesale floral sales where his knowledge of various florals and greenery only amassed.
As a native to the area, Travis takes great pride providing beautiful florals to the city that has raised and shaped him. In addition, as a Black male he takes even more pride in bringing inclusion and representation into the floral world.
While Travis has been in the industry for years, his company Concrete Rose Floral was born from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its name represents the beauty that grows from adversity, as well a masculine-but-creative view of florals. He is excited about bringing his vast knowledge and skill to bear working with many vendors and venues in the years to come.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
Mary Bell Photography
Mary Bell is a hybrid, documentary wedding and portrait photographer based in Maryland and working throughout the mid-atlantic. Dedicated to ensuring her clients feel like themselves, her work is intuitive, heart-felt and honest. She’s been an artist her entire life and has never wanted to be anything else.
When she isn’t at a wedding or in her studio in Annapolis, Mary can be found hiking and traveling out west, wandering used bookstores, getting inspired by art books and museums and watching her husband race vintage cars.
