David Dane is staging his seventh biennial exhibition of oil paintings, inspired by the Broads, at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, South Walsham, from Saturday, November 26 to Sunday, December 4, open daily 10am to 4pm.
The exhibition titled, Whispering Reeds, features 20 original paintings of the Broads, including a collection of eight paintings of Wheatfen, the nature reserve at Surlingham created by the late Ted and Phyllis Ellis. Whispering Reeds is sponsored by Norfolk Country Cottages, whose Chairman, Richard Ellis is Ted Ellis’ nephew. Entry to the exhibition is free. Normal entry charges apply to the garden.
David Dane explained: “One of my first memories of the Broads is standing by a reed bed and being fascinated by the gentle swishing sounds of the breeze stirring the reeds. Over the past four decades that I have lived and worked as an artist, there are few paintings that have not included reeds, if only on the roof of a cottage. Unfortunately, there has been a substantial loss of reed in many areas of the Broads since my childhood. I remember well the excitement when large ‘huvvers’ would break off reed beds on the Broads and float into narrow channels and staithes.”
“Thankfully, reed is still to be found in many areas of Broadland,” added David Dane. “To my creative mind, reed is the most elegant and beautiful plant in the world. From the vibrant green in early summer, to the russet of autumn and winter, whispering reeds will continue to inspire me.”
“My sincere thanks go to Richard Ellis of Norfolk Country Cottages for his support and the company’s sponsorship of this exhibition and to David Nobbs, the warden of Wheatfen for his advice and assistance. Phyllis Ellis was a great supporter of my early exhibitions and I am very pleased to be featuring the Wheatfen collection this year. I would also like to thank Whispering Reeds boatyard Hickling and the River Green Café Trowse for their help and Louise Rout and the team at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden for hosting Whispering Reeds.”
Jenny White writing about David Dane’s work in Artists and Illustrators magazine said: “David Dane’s Norfolk is a land of mystery, poised between this world and the next.”
Louise Rout, manager Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden said: “We are pleased to be hosting David Dane’s exhibition. I hope visitors to Whispering Reeds will take to the time to explore our garden, enjoy the tranquillity by our broad and reflect on David’s work.”
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is at South Walsham, nine miles east of Norwich, signposted off A47 at B1140 junction, tel. 01603 270449, http://www.fairhavengarden.co.uk/. The garden is open daily all year, 10am to 5pm (closed Christmas Day), entry: adult £5.50, senior citizen £5 and child £3 (under five free); tearoom, gift shop and plant sales.
There is wheelchair access to the garden, including a Sensory Garden. Visitors requiring special facilities are advised to telephone in advance, mobility scooters available. Dogs are welcome on leads; small charge to cover poop scoop.
To contact David Dane tel. 01692 584938,
Painting: The Reedcutter's Cottagewww.dfdaneoilpaintings.co.uk.
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