A Walk With the English Van Gogh

It's my pleasure to welcome Victoria Threlfall with news of her Samuel Palmer walks, a not-to-be missed opportunity to discover more about this remarkable 18th century artist and to follow in his footsteps.

---oOo---

Curated Walks in Samuel Palmer Country

My walks provide an illustrated introduction to the work 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 piece of country, 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.

19th June: Mid-summer twilight walk. Starting at 5.30pm, returning at 10ish as the moon rises. This walk involves a couple of steep, strenuous climbs.

8th July and 6th August: Standard Walk (£35 per person, including light refreshments)

At 10.30 we meet at The Crown pub in Shoreham (TN14 7TJ) for coffee and an introductory talk about Palmer. This is followed by a walk of approximately 4 miles immersing ourselves in the landscape in which he painted and stopping along the way to discuss aspects of his work. Bring a picnic for lunch on the hill or, if preferred, lunch is available back at the pub at the end of the walk. We depart at approximately 3.00pm.


The Longer Walk
This takes us to two locations, Shoreham (details as above) and One Tree Hill near Sevenoaks.
The walk at One Tree Hill, near Godden Green, takes approximately an hour and a half. You emerge from ancient woodland high up over the Weald to enjoy superb views from where Palmer painted. This requires your own transport to drive the 5 miles between the two locations. The day will start at 10.15 and ends at approximately 5.00pm.

For more information or to book a place visit http://www.victoriathrelfall.co.uk/walks/ or contact enquiries@victoriathrelfall.co.uk or 07966 519969.


“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, Tonbridge School Arts 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.

Written content of this post copyright © Victoria Threlfall, 2016.