We have opened our latest exhibition Drawn to Nature: Gilbert White & The Artists!
Over the past 230 years artists have created a diversity of artworks inspired by the nature writings of Gilbert White. Running from now until the December 11, Gilbert White’s House will be displaying a selection of these beautiful artworks, including 14 pieces by contemporary artists on loan from Pallant House Gallery in Chichester.
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. The director of the gallery, Simon Martin, curated an exhibition exploring how White's The Natural History of Selborne has inspired generations of artists since its first publication in 1789.
Opening in 2020, Simon Martin’s exhibition ‘Drawn to Nature: Gilbert White & The Artists’ was affected by the covid-19 pandemic. However, lockdown gave Martin 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, amongst 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.
The exhibition is included with general admission to the house and gardens and runs until December 11.
