‘Radiant Spring’ on show in ‘London Trees’ at Lauderdale House, 29 March - 24 April 2023

I’m delighted to have been invited to show my drawing Radiant Spring in the exhibition London Trees, at Lauderdale House, London, from 29th March until 24th April 2023.

A partnership between two distinct groups of artists, The Arborealists and the Urban Contemporaries, this show presents a diverse range of paintings, prints and drawings on the rich and vital subject of the trees of London.

Each artist responds to the subject, encapsulating varied interpretations: some observe the way trees can be street architecture and urban decoration, others explore the ecological dimensions and trees as the ‘lungs of the city’. A number of the artists involved depict trees in opposition to or in harmony with their surroundings and as depositories of history.

Trees sustain our existence.  At a time of international anxiety about the existential threats of the effects of global warming, the role of nature and trees in the nation’s capital city has never been more pertinent.

Curated by Ferha Farooqui, Frank Creber and Tim Craven, the exhibition aims to raise awareness of the importance of trees in the lives of London's citizens.

Exhibiting artists include: Urban Contemporaries - Rory Brooke, Alexandra Blum, Frank Creber, Ferha Farooqui, Annette Fernando, Michael Johnson, Alex Pemberton, Melissa Scott-Miller, Jane Smith, Stewart Taylor, Grant Watson. The Arborealists  -  Philippa Beale, John Blandy, Lara Cobden, Tim Craven, Julie Held, Abi Kremer, Natasha Lien, Angela Rumble, Nahem Shoa, Jacqui Wedlake-Hatton, David Wiseman.

Private View: If you would like to join us for a drink at the Private View on 29th March, please contact me for further details. We’d love to see you there!

When and where: London Trees will be open from 29th March until 24th April 2023 at Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, London N6 5HG

IMPORTANT: please check the Lauderdale House website before you travel for information about opening times and closures of the gallery space due to event bookings.

Further information about the show.

Scroll down to find out more about my drawing ‘Radiant Spring’...

Above: Radiant Spring, 2022, graphite on paper, 40 x 52 cm (including frame) £550

Radiant Spring is from a series of drawings of Laycock Green, north London, observed as it transforms through the seasons. Each tree on the Green feels vital in its role as part of a network of plant and animal (including human) life.

Standing under a lime tree in spring 2022, exhilarated by rapid new growth reaching towards space and light, I drew each bud and flower as specifically as possible, wanting to create a record of individual, brief flowerings. The two pigeons in each of the bottom corners of the drawing seemed like sentinels, watching the tumult of spring unfold.

Keep scrolling to see close ups...

Above: DETAIL from: Radiant Spring, 2022, graphite on paper, 40 x 52 cm (including frame) £550

Above: DETAIL from: Radiant Spring, 2022, graphite on paper, 40 x 52 cm (including frame) £550

Above: DETAIL from: Radiant Spring, 2022, graphite on paper, 40 x 52 cm (including frame) £550

Don’t forget, if you would like to come to the Private View on 29th March please contact me for further details, it would be great to see you there!