A Photographic Eulogy to Aesc showcases the work of landscape photographer Robert Darch. Aesc is the old English word for ash tree.

In 2020 Robert was commissioned by Beaford Arts and Devon Wildlife Trust’s Saving Devon’s Treescapes project to produce an artistic response to ash dieback, the devastating fungal disease which is killing ash trees across the UK and Europe. It is estimated that a significant number of trees (perhaps up to 90%) will eventually be lost to the disease.

The exhibition showcases 24 of Robert Darch’s stunning photos – some in colour, some in black and white. All tell the story of the trees themselves and the people whose sad job it has been to remove them from our landscapes. The dramatic images show stark images of the challenges these people faced working on ash trees where they presented threats to the public, roads, powerlines, buildings and other vital infrastructure. Other of the exhibition’s photos provide a hopeful message, showing images of seed harvesting and tree planting.

The exhibition opens in Torquay at the Artizan Gallery, 7 Lucius Street on Saturday 9 September and runs to Sunday 24 September (see the gallery’s website for opening days and times www.artizangallery.co.uk), before moving to Exeter’s Central Library, Castle Street from Tuesday 3 October until Tuesday 31 October.

The exhibition is free to visit at both venues.

On Friday 22 September 6-8pm the Artizan Gallery, Torquay will also stage an evening where Robert Darch will talk about his work and local poets will read their poetic responses to it. Tickets to this are free but must be booked in advance from www.art-hub.co.uk.

At Exeter Central Library staff from Devon Wildlife Trust’s Saving Devon’s Treescapes team will be hosting a half-term holiday drop-in craft session inspired by the exhibition. It takes place in the children’s library between 10.30am-12.30pm on Wednesday 25 October. This event is free to attend.

Photographic artist Robert Darch said:

“I had heard of ash dieback before working on this commission but had in no way comprehended the scale and amount of trees that will be affected. Working in the shadow of covid and witnessing so many ash trees being felled was devastating, but seeing the work being done by the Devon Wildlife Trust in very difficult times replanting native species has been really inspiring.”  

A Photographic Eulogy to Aesc is part of the Saving Devon’s Treescapes project which works to restore trees lost to ash dieback disease. It is a partnership project led by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum. It is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, One Tree Planted and other funders. Visit our Saving Devon's Treescapes page to find out more.