Petworth’s ancient trees are a must-see, and their natural beauty has been brought indoors for a new exhibition featuring nine incredibly detailed drawings of different specimens from Petworth, each including GPS coordinates so you can discover the tree for yourself. The exhibition runs from Mon 11 Oct to Sun 5 Dec.
Created with pen and graphite on cotton paper, then framed using sustainable softwood, Richard’s drawings help tell the story of the incredible trees at Petworth House and Park. One ancient tree in Petworth Park is estimated to be around 940 years old. The oak tree has survived all the landscape changes since the 12th century and this organism has now been captured in a detailed drawing by Richard.
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The first thing that struck me was the tree’s sheer size, not just the girth of the trunk but also its height. It’s also quite possibly the oldest tree in the grounds – a seedling in around A.D.1100. I wonder who’s met this tree, Henry I, Elizabeth I?"
About Richard Geraint Evans
By writing the tree’s GPS coordinates beneath his tree portraits Richard invites you to visit the actual tree. He does this because he wants to create stronger emotional bonds between people and individual trees. Richard believes that once we take the time to find, meet and ‘connect’ with the subject of his drawings we are more likely to care about the tree’s long-term welfare. Find out more on his website www.richardevansart.com
Richard used pen and graphite on cotton paper to create this drawing of a redwood
Find the trees featured in the 'GPS Trees' exhibition by Richard Geraint Evans by following this walking route around Petworth Pleasure Garden and Park.
GPS Trees by Richard Geraint Evans can be seen in the exhibition room of Petworth Servants' Quarters, Mon 11 Oct - Sun 5 Dec. 10:30am-4:30pm. Closing at 3:30pm from Mon 1 Nov. Entry to the property applies, National Trust members free.