Gilbert White’s House and Gardens has opened its latest exhibition Drawn to Nature: Gilbert White and The Artists.
Over the past 230 years artists have created a diversity of work inspired by the nature writings of Gilbert White.
Until December 11 Gilbert White’s House will display a selection of these beautiful artworks, including 14 pieces by contemporary artists on loan from Pallant House Gallery in Chichester.
The year 2020 marked the tercentenary of Gilbert White’s birth and one of the first organisations to celebrate the great writer and naturalist was Pallant House Gallery.
Director Simon Martin curated an exhibition exploring how White’s The Natural History Of Selborne has inspired generations of artists since its publication in 1789.
Opening in 2020, Simon’s exhibition Drawn to Nature: Gilbert White and The Artists was affected by Covid-19.
However, lockdown gave Simon the opportunity to write a book of the same name, which takes the reader on an in-depth journey investigating the relationship between Gilbert White and the artists, from the 18th century through to the present day.
The contemporary artists whose work has been included in the exhibition have not only sought the words of Gilbert White to inspire their work, but explored the legacy of the artists who have gone before them.
Their work demonstrates the enduring appeal of White’s writing and encourages us to take time to appreciate the nature on our doorsteps and understand the growing challenges nature faces, whether it be from climate change or urban sprawl.
The display includes artwork from Mark Herald, Angie Lewin, Michael Kirkman, Emily Sutton and Jo Sweeting, among others. Also on display is the museum’s collection of original proofs by John Nash that were first commissioned for the 1951 edition of The Natural History Of Selborne.
Simon Martin will visit the museum on November 15 to give a lecture on his book and the original exhibition at Pallant House Gallery.
The exhibition is included with general admission to the house and gardens.