Exhibition - David Nash at Kew: A Natural Gallery

Sat 09 June 2012 - Sun 14 April 2013

David Nash, one of the UK’s most prolific sculptors, is exhibiting his work at Kew Gardens. The exhibition includes sculptures, installations, drawings and film in place throughout the Gardens, glasshouses and exhibition spaces. In October 2012, Nash unveiled a series of new works including many created in an on site 'wood quarry' which operated from April - September 2012.

A photo of other members of the Wood Quarry

David Nash carving 'Scuttlers' in the wood quarry at Kew Gardens

Event details

Exhibition date: Saturday 9 June 2012 to Sunday 14 April 2013 (Garden opening times)
Exhibition location: around the Gardens and in the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art and Nash Conservatory

Become a Friend of Kew and get unlimited access to the Gardens all year round for 20p per day.

Exhibition supported by Xstrata.

About the exhibition

In a career spanning 40 years, David Nash has carved sculptures from wood, many of them monumental in scale. After carving, some pieces are then partially burned to produce a charred surface. His main tools are a chainsaw and an axe to carve the wood, and then fire to char it. Through his work, Nash has gained a deep understanding of the properties of trees.

The artistic process itself is, for Nash, deeply collaborative – between the artist, his material, and the natural world. He adopts a responsive and adaptable approach, allowing nature to dictate the direction that his creations will take. This approach is reflected in the character of this exhibition as a whole – the viewing experience will change and evolve from visit to visit, due to the nature of the materials used, the changing seasons that shape and colour Kew Gardens so dramatically, and the display of new work, that will be created on site throughout the course of the exhibition.

David Nash at Kew: A Natural Gallery.

Visit and experience an evolving exhibition from this celebrated UK artist. Sculptures, installations and drawings by David Nash will be in place throughout the Gardens, glasshouses, and exhibition spaces.

Since October 2012, sculptures created in the Wood Quarry are now on display alongside existing pieces in the Gardens. Returning visitors will continue to find interest and inspiration as the art works change through the seasons and new sculptures are added to the exhibition.