In Pursuit of Spring

IN PURSUIT OF SPRING- Black Swan Arts, Frome | April – June 2021

Taking its title from the book by Edward Thomas, this exhibition at Black Swan Arts traces the route of Thomas’ journey, by bicycle, from London to Somerset as he set out to find springtime in March 1913. Responding to various themes in the book, such as hope, change and renewal, 50 works by Somerset Art Works members illustrate the Somerset leg of Thomas’ journey. With quotes from the book, published by Little Toller, and a map of his journey, the exhibition recreates his route westwards through Somerset, eventually terminating on Cothelstone Hill in the Quantocks on 28 March.

All the artwork features in a specially-curated online catalogue, below, and online shop, all now available on the Black Swan Arts website. The shop and first part of the exhibition at Black Swan Arts open on 16 April in line with the Government Roadmap and safety guidelines, with the rest of the exhibition in the Round Tower open from 21 May. Both organisations see this as an opportunity to curate and create exhibiting opportunities for artists at this challenging time.

Somerset Art Works and Black Swan Arts will also run an accompanying event programme after the 17 May, details to be confirmed nearer the time.

In Pursuit of Spring Catalogue

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the natural world has been an important consolation for many of us. Now, when we all need a sense of hope and renewal, Thomas’ descriptions of springtime Somerset – the ‘noble elms’, verdant banks teaming with celandine, pennywort and cranesbill, the calls of larks and linnets – are a poignant reminder of the beauty of our county. This exhibition brings together Thomas’ text with contemporary images and representations of Somerset, and is a wonderful way to celebrate the reopening of Black Swan Arts – almost 108 years to the day since Thomas completed his journey.

The exhibition has been produced in conjunction with Little Toller Books, whose edition of the book has been used as inspiration for the show. Little Toller was started in 1974 with a singular purpose, to revive forgotten and classic books about nature and rural life in the British Isles. The success of Little Toller’s Nature Classics has enabled it to grow into an independent publisher, attuned to writers and artists who seek inventive ways to reconnect us with the natural world and to celebrate the places we live in.

Find out more about the book

Copies of the book are available from Little Toller and will also be available from the Black Swan Arts shop when it opens.

There are also two BBC Radio 4 programmes about the book, ‘In Pursuit of Spring’, in which Matthew Hollis tracks Thomas’ journey, as well as ‘In Pursuit of Edward Thomas’ where Matthew Oates also follows his journey.

Co-curators Emma Tuck and Paul Newman discuss the ideas and themes behind the exhibition, and the book which inspired it, in this short film by Hannah Earl.

With thanks to:
BSA Centre manager : Emma Warren
Exhibition catalogue: David Daniels
Online sales and technical support: Rosie Hart
Exhibition planning: Hans Borgonjon

Thank you to the team at Black Swan Arts for hosting this exhibition and to volunteers for their help in setting up and invigilating.

Thank you to Arts Council England and Little Toller Books

And thank you to members of Somerset Art Works for responding to the book!

Published on March 27, 2021 // artweeks