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The flora and fauna of Pensthorpe A year's study by Sandra Walmsley and Isobel Bartholomew

Wednesday, 30th June 2010

Our Inspiration

It is easy to fall in love with Pensthorpe and as artists, over many visits in the past, we have been inspired by the diversity of wildlife habitats, the successful bird breeding programmes and wide range of plant species in both formal and informal settings.

Having previously successfully worked together on a study of an ancient woodland, we thought that Pensthorpe would be the ideal location for a similar project. We were delighted when it was agreed, and we commenced in the autumn of 2009.

Since then we have been making regular monthly visits, recording and sketching in the Millenium Garden, the woodland and wildflower meadows, and drawing and photographing the landscape and animal habitats. From these observations we have worked up final pieces back in our own studios.

It has been quite a challenge for us both, not least of which are the many distractions which occur when out sketching - wind, sun and rain; a magical moment when a damselfly lands close by; wild fowl glide in and out of frame or play around one's feet; or allowing one's attention to wander to another equally beautiful flowering plant a few feet away.

We have been spoilt for choice for subject matter, particularly with the new design for the Millenium Garden and Piet Oudolf's inspired planting scheme, a tapestry of rich block colours, and contrasting shapes and textures. Equally rewarding, were the newly planted tulips in the Wave Garden, the wild flower meadow in late spring, spotting orchids from the boardwalk, and looking for bee orchids in the dry grassland meadow. The wide range of habitats and ecosystems developed at Pensthorpe are demanding, difficult choices about what to include.

Our exhibition (1 - 21 September 2010 at Pensthorpe) will show only a fraction of the rich diversity that is Pensthorpe. We hope you will enjoy seeing it through our eyes.