Dungscape Opening Event at Knepp Wilding Estate
I'm delighted to invite you to the opening of the Dungscape exhibition at Knepp Wilding Estate:
“a trailblazing 3,500-acre rewilding project that has changed the way we think about nature and how we can heal our planet”.
The show includes paintings, sketches, drawings, linocuts and more. It is in The Exhibition Space by Knepp Wilding Shop. Entry is free 9am-5pm daily from 15th August - 6th September.
The central diptych is set at Knepp, so from the exhibition you can head out on foot round the estate walking paths, and see how much of the featured wildlife you can spot.
Concertina sketchbook of studies from Bristol and London Natural History collections
Opening Event visitor information
Saturday 15th August 5.30-6.30pm
We'll gather in the exhibition space to introduce and view the artwork together, with a glass of something nice.
Gail Reid and Erica McAlister (Principal curator of flies and fleas at the Natural History Museum, who has helped enormously with Dungscape, and is closely connected to Knepp) will give a short talk about the project. Dungscape is generously supported by The Natural Eye Bursary from The Society of Wildlife Artists. Dungscape aims to highlight connections between museum collections, artist studio and field, so it is perfect to have the show on site at Knepp, with such a renowned natural scientist and communicator as Erica.
Free to attend, all welcome, RSVP to gail@gailreidartist.com
Continue the evening
For those who'd like to stay on after the Private View, at 6.30 we'll head across the courtyard to the Michelin Green Star Knepp Wilding Kitchen for more conversation, over “a land-to-plate menu shaped by the seasons and inspired by Knepp’s rewilding ethos”.
The chefs will prepare a shared feast celebrating the very best ingredients from the Knepp Estate and surrounding area. Dishes are created around whatever is at its best on the day - a selection of snacks, starters and main courses served for sharing.
Friday Night Barbecues at Knepp
Knepp hold catered evening barbecues with live music on Friday nights throughout Summer.
For info and to book tickets use this link. (update - this event is now SOLD OUT)
The BBQs are in the courtyard between the shop and the restaurant, so there is cover in the event of rain.
I will be at the barbecue on Friday 14th August with friends and family (letting our hair down after hanging the show). There may be informal access to the exhibition, as it is adjacent to the barbecue location, and attached to the Knepp Wilding Shop, which is open anyway 9am-5pm daily.
Takedown 8th September
Although the exhibition officially ends on 6th September, it will remain accessible in situ until I am on site taking it down on 8th. It will then be going to London ready for exhibition in The Mall Galleries in London in early October, as winner of The Natural Eye Bursary Award
Local accommodation
There is a campsite at Knepp, or to search online for nearby accommodation, the Knepp postcode is RH13 8NQ. The Knepp estate is free entry, open to the public (see website).
Parking & location
There is parking on site, adjacent to the exhibition space. Information and map here
We would love you to join us in Knepp Wilding Kitchen at 6.30pm on 15th August, to celebrate the opening of the show and continue the conversations raised.
“the best of seasonal ingredients, from Wild Range meat grown on Knepp, organic produce from our on-site regenerative Market Garden and sustainable fish caught by day-boat on the British coast”
Bills will be arranged in small table groups, making it easy for guests to settle the cost directly on the evening. £45 per person for a selection of snacks, starters and main courses served for sharing. Desserts and drinks are available to order separately.