Legacy of Ancient Oaks

This beautiful book showcases the intricate graphite portraits of 22 of Britain's oldest living oaks, brought to life by artist Mark Frith. Commissioned by Felix Dennis, the drawings capture the essence of these majestic trees and their profound connection with the natural world. The estate of Dennis bequeathed 10 of the drawings to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, as a dedication to these ancient individuals.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2019
Publisher: Royal Botanic Gardens

This magnificent book is a tribute to the majestic oak, brought to life through the passion and vision of artist Mark Frith. Mark has painstakingly captured the essence of 22 of Britain's oldest living oaks in large-scale portraits, showcasing exceptional detail in his intricate graphite works. Through these captivating images, he brings the ancient features of these majestic trees to life on the pages.

Mark's connection with the natural world began in his childhood in the picturesque Gloucestershire countryside. He developed a deep bond with a local ancient character, the Great Oak at Nibley Green. It was here that he first embarked on his series of oak drawings, commissioned by the publisher, poet, philanthropist, and tree planter Felix Dennis. These awe-inspiring drawings, measuring 1.7 meters wide, took Mark three and a half years to complete. They were finished just before Felix Dennis's passing in 2014, fulfilling his final wishes.

Following Felix Dennis's wishes, his estate bequeathed 10 of these drawings to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. This stunning book is not only a celebration of art and trees but also serves as a fitting dedication to these ancient individuals. It is the perfect gift for art and tree lovers alike, offering a glimpse into the profound relationship between man and the natural world.

Mark's drawings aim to convey the soul of the ancient oak tree and capture the essence of its majestic presence. Through his meticulous attention to detail and his ability to bring these trees to life on paper, he has created a masterpiece that honors the legacy of these ancient beings.

In conclusion, this beautiful book is a testament to the power of art and nature. Mark Frith's dedication to capturing the beauty of the oak and his deep connection with the natural world has resulted in a masterpiece that will inspire and captivate generations to come.

Weight: 894g
Dimension: 298 x 238 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781842466674