“It was a wonderful mixture of exercise, art and education, set in the most glorious countryside – and we loved every moment of it. You were a superb guide – enthusiastic, clear and very knowledgeable about your subject! – David Tennant, Tanbridge School Art Society
“A perfect combination of activities; every single one a pleasure. Please do another and sign me up straight away!” – Nancy Gilchrist
“A very satisfying and fascinating experience for us all. Your depth of knowledge was remarkable” – Flick Seton, The Art Fund.
Curated Walks in Samuel Palmer Country
My walks provide an illustrated introduction to the walk of this brilliant visionary artist described by Kenneth Clarke as “The English Van Gogh”. They take place in and around the village of Shoreham in Kent, and through what Palmer called his, “Valley of Vision”. Samuel Palmer lived in Shoreham between 1826 and 1834 as one of a group of artists who called themselves “The Ancients”, and it was here that he painted his most inspired and original works. This part of the Darent valley, just 24 miles from London, is still very beautiful with far-reaching views across the Weald of Kent and despite the 200 years that have passed since Palmer’s time it is still possible to get a strong feeling for the landscape which informed his work.
Tailor Made Walks
The walks described above will be on set dates. I can also arrange walks for your specific requirements at a date and time to suit you. Minimum 6 people.
Cost. £35 per person
For the more energetic there is also the possibility of a longer day that takes in two locations. Shoreham and One Tree Hill near Sevenoaks.
Moonlight Walks
We meet at The Crown Pub, 84,High St Shoreham TN14 7TJ at 5.30 pm.
I will give an illustrated introduction to Samuel Palmer’s Shoreham work after which we will set off in the footsteps of the artist to explore the beautiful landscape in the twilight. We will stop for a picnic returning as darkness falls and (with luck) as the moon rises arriving back in Shoreham at approximately 10.30pm.
Please bring a picnic, something to sit on and something warm for when the temperature drops.
There is one steep climb at the beginning of the walk and a couple of other quite steep ascents as well as some stiles.