Julie Smith

 

If you undertake a Wednesday wander through the fabulous walled garden at Lydiard Park, there, amongst the apples, cherries and figs you may meet a figure studiously engaged in drawing in her sketchbook. The artist in question will most likely be Julie Smith working on a project to produce a visual biography of the apple through the seasons. This will be a starting point for a body of artworks that will include drawings, prints and paintings.

Julie is a co-founder of Arteology, an occasional group of like-minded artists who gather inspiration through researching archives. It was during such, at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre that Julie’s interest in the apple blossomed. Perusing the papers of Jean and (Gilbert) Morrison, historian, naturalist, folklorist and poet, as well as the chronicles of the Wiltshire village of Bratton, Julie became curious of the references and photographic evidence of the Wiltshire apple ‘Tom Putt’. This find alerted Julie, herself Swindon based, to the wonderful restoration of the Walled Garden at Lydiard and the creation of the ornamental fruit and flower garden that includes the collection of early apple varieties. This was due to a visit on Heritage Apple Day last year following which Julie joined The Friends.

Not only has she been pursuing her project but her frequent visits have encouraged Julie to now become a volunteer in the garden. Along with her Arteology co-founder, artist Mervyn Grist, together they have donated a historic apple tree, Ashmead’s Kernel to the collection.

Mervyn may at times also be discovered sketching in the garden. He is using the Walled Garden as a backdrop to a series of paintings based on the folklore and customs surrounding apples. When Julie and Mervyn complete this Arteology project The Friends of Lydiard Park are planning to have an exhibition of their Lydiard inspired work.  It is hoped this will tie in nicely with the Heritage Days in 2025.

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