Private View 14th November 2024 6.30pm – 8.30pm

Who Are The Arborealists?

Established in 2013, The Aborealists are a collective of 48 professional artists who depict trees, each with a unique practice and strong national and international acclaim. The group have had 36 successful exhibitions to date in locations such as Poitiers, Gibraltar, Bristol and Gloucester.

Every year, many artists who draw or paint trees express interest in joining the group. Artists are selected for their reputation and work style, often bordering on nonfigurative and even abstract.

In 2016, George Peterken OBE, forester, ecologist and author, invited the Arborealists to respond to the environment of Lady Park Wood near Monmouthj, the only schientifically monitored and unmanaged woodland in the UK. The film, Lady Park Wood, shows the artists collecting specific information for paintings. It was screened throughout Europe and the UK.

The Arborealists are currently engaged in two ungoing projects: firstly, the documentation of ancient trees for Julian Hight, a Channel 5 presenter, judge of Tree of the Year, Chair of the Ancient Tree Forum and part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Project. This has resulted in an ongoing exhibiting partnership at Nature in Art Gallery and a museum in Gloucestershire. Secondly, the Arborealists are now documenting Staverton Thicks in Suffolk, one of the oldest sites in the UK, working towards a major exhibition in 2025.

Tim Craven, East Water Valley

Forest, Woods & Groves Exhibition
This exhibition will host some of the Arborealists’ most creatively diverse and influential practices within the concept of ancient trees, exploring their historical and mythological stories through art. At this exhibition the group will launch their third publication, featuring essays by George Peterkin OBE, Tim Craven: President of the Arborealists and Dr Philippa Beale, amongst writing and images by the Arborealist artists.

Philippa Beale, The Grove Across the Road

Tilia Holmes, Red Emperor Maple