Sunday 8 February 2009

Nash Rambler

I just couldn't wait to share this with you. Back in November you may remember my post about the fallen ash tree on the Leicestershire / Rutland border. And my observation that it recalled Paul Nash's Monster Field, his photographs of felled trees taking on the attitude of crawling timber terrors. Every Saturday since I have driven over the bridge next to the leviathan, and on a number of occasions noticed a Landrover pulled up beside it and heard the hornet buzz of a chainsaw. So yesterday morning we parked on the snowy verge and I vaulted over the gate. (Well, alright then, climbed unsteadily.) I need say no more about my one-eyed friend, but equally remarkable are the colours and shapes, immediately redolent of a Paul Nash painting, or, for that matter, one by his brother John. My hand starts twitching to prise open the watercolour box.

4 comments:

Diplomate said...

marvelous - I should run !

Philip Wilkinson said...

It's looking more and more like the Nash photograph. If someone starts ripping the bark off and teasing bits of the wood out into fibrous strands, you'll know they're winding you up. Meanwhile, out with those paints.

Toby Savage said...

Like a giant reptile about to pounce. Well spotted. Yes Peter, get the paints out. You'd make a fortune.....

Peter Ashley said...

Thanks Toby, I bloody well need to.