Andrew Lambirth

Under the Greenwood Tree – an exhibition worth travelling for

‘The Fallen Tree’, 1951, by John Nash. Credit: © Royal Academy of Arts, London 
issue 14 September 2013

A mixed exhibition of paintings, drawings and prints devoted to the subject of the tree might sound an unexciting event, filled with what Johnny Cash memorably described as ‘hopeful stars of flickering magnitude’, but actually in this case the reverse is true. The show has been divided into two halves, the first of which deals with a historical survey of the tree in past art, the section which is herewith under review. The sequel, focusing on the tree in contemporary art, will be at the museum from 12 October – 23 November. Readers who have to travel any distance, and may thus be limited to a single visit, should choose with care which portion of the show they think they’d most like to see. The historical art currently on display is so well selected that those who live nearer may well be tempted back for further viewings.

The show in this resourceful little museum begins with a lovely etching by S.R.

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