Ash to Ash, Ackroyd & Harvey,White Horse Wood. Photo: Manuel Vason
Ash to Ash, Ackroyd & Harvey,White Horse Wood. Photo: Manuel Vason
We launched the Ash to Ash public sculpture on the afternoon of September 14th 2018. Over 130 people came to the event, from all over Kent, and other parts of the UK. We heard speeches from Nick Johannsen, Director of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Mike Hill OBE, Cabinet Member for Communities, Jenny Schofield of the Woodland Trust, Edward Parker a nationally recognised tree photographer and campaigner for the ash tree and Ackroyd and Harvey.
Local restaurant Custom, produced a special menu of Kentish canapes for the launch of the sculptures, which featured Cheese and pickle sandwiches with Ancient Ashmore cheese, pickled “Kent Downs” ash keys, on sourdough bread. Julian Barnes of Biddenden Vineyards generously provided sparkling wine and apple juice for the opening event, which complimented our ash themed menu.
We commissioned Anil Sebastian and London Contemporary Voices to make a new choral work to sing the sculptures into their new home, this was a highlight of the launch event and created resonances across the landscape.
Download the launch event print PDF
Read about Viriditas the choral commission for the launch
Read the credits for the build of the sculpture
Some lovely feedback from the public
“Amazing work, and such an amazing subject”
“Great sculptures & event. A complicated entire project. Well done!”
“Fantastic! Beautiful Sculptures, haunting music. Gorgeous!”
“Beautiful and imperative”
“Fantastic new attraction on the UK’s Foremost Pilgrims Trail”
“So glad and privileged to be here”
“A fantastic project which celebrates an unsung hero”
