Object of the Month: November 2025

'Ash Beacon, old trunk with new growth'

By David Nash (b. 1945)

Original print, screenprint 1978.

Purchased from Jonathan Phipps with the assistance of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, 1979.

Chosen by Claire Cooper, Documentation Officer.

This screenprint shows a bare tree in wintery light, the new growth apparent on the many detailed branches shown.

David Nash studied at Kingston College of Art from 1963-67 and Chelsea School of Art in London from 1969-70. In 1967 he moved to the remote village of Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales, where he still lives and works. He is best known for his sculptures and land art, working mainly with wood such as in his ‘Ash Dome’ ‘living sculpture’ of a collection of living ash trees planted in 1977 and coppiced to form a natural dome sculpture.

His respect for and fascination with trees is apparent in this seemingly simple picture which demonstrates the beauty of the tree even when nearly bare.

The Object of the Month can be seen in person throughout November at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery.