Plantlife was the third in an annual series of exhibitions at Fen Ditton Gallery that focus on the natural world.
A developing part of the gallery programme this series foregrounds artists, makers and designers across media who draw particular inspiration from the natural world and create memorable objects and images in response.
Due to the pandemic, the exhibition took two forms; The first ''virtual' edition of this exhibition with the opportunity to view by appointment (view details of this exhibition here) took place in June 2020. The second version of the exhibition brought back some of the superb works that were on display then; Pauline Burbidge's 2m sq quilt (listen to Hannah’s interview with Pauline here), Malcolm Appleby's gingko leaf brooches and Lizzie Farey's willow drawing; and combines them with new additions such as domestic ceramics by Daphne Carnegy and Annie Hewett, solarplate etchings by Susie Turner, intricate wood engravings by Andy English, black and white photography by Paul Hart and Lotte Attwood, engraved glassware from Katharine Coleman and Gillies Jones (listen to Hannah’s interview with Gillies Jones here), botanical works by Barbara McGirr and Sandy Sykes, ceramic bowls by Jane Perryman and a concertina watercolour drawing by Anna Raven.
The exhibition also highlighted works that artists had created during lockdown, inspired by their gardens or the plants they encountered on daily walks; drawings by Nigel Hall, an original feather meadow print by Rebecca Jewell and new drawings by leading designer and ceramist Frances Priest from her Patterns of Flora project.
Once again (with your help!), we donated a percentage of sales to support the work of Plantlife conservation charity, as they call for councils to make road verge cutting regimes more wildlife-friendly. Road verges are a vital refuge for wild flowers and the wealth of wildlife they underpin. There’s been some good news locally: Cambridge County Council councillors asked for a review of grass cutting regimes across the county. Plantlife's Road Verge Campaign Manager has had initial discussions with the councils highways team and their contractors to discuss verge management guidance. And other positive progress is happening, with the On the Verge Cambridge verge volunteer group working hard to raise awareness for flower-rich verges and greenspace across the city.
This exhibition is open 10th October - 15th November 2020
Opening times are Saturdays and Sundays from 11am - 5pm
Other appointments are available by appointment: please contact us on info@fendittongallery.com to book
As is the times we are living in, masks are compulsory and visitor numbers will be limited to 6 at a time. You can read our COVID-19 policies here.
Exhibiting artists: Malcolm Appleby, Lotte Attwood, Jonathan Buckley, Pauline Burbidge, Daphne Carnegy, Katharine Coleman, Andy English, Lizzie Farey, Studio Gillies Jones, Nigel Hall RA, Paul Hart, Annie Hewett, Rebecca Jewell, Barbara McGirr, Jane Perryman, Frances Priest, Anna Raven, Susie Turner
Pasqueflower by Jonathan Buckley
With the kind permission of award-winning garden photographer, Jonathan Buckley, we have produced a limited edition run of high quality giclee prints of this beautiful image of the Pasqueflower - the flower of Cambridgeshire!
Originally photographed for Sarah Raven's Wildflower book, all profits from the sale of these prints will be donated to Plantlife Charity to support their Road Verges project.
Pasqueflower, Jonathan Buckley
297 x 210mm
Edition of 20, giclee print