Detail of the entrance to the willow tunnel in winter
While walking across the estate I noticed how beautiful the willow was looking even in the grey light of January.
We have over 100m of living willow pathways, tunnels, dens and structures here at Bentley. They were designed and planted by local artist Jenny Arran in 2006 – 2007. But last Spring Jenny worked with another local artist, Maia Eden, to create a willow boat and a set of chairs (fit for three bears!).
The willow at this time of year reminds me of Andy Goldsworthy sculptures. Andy Goldsworthy creates spectacular sculptures in the open air made from natural materials.
Andy Goldsworthy's Woven Silver Birch circle on Hampstead Heath 1985. Photo taken from www.goldsworthy.cc.gla.ac.uk
The round windows in the willow tunnel reminded me of several of photos of Goldsworthy’s work. He described them as, “inside round and outside wild”. There’s a wonderful online archive of his work in photos, created by the University of Glasgow.
The living willow looks magical in mid-summer covered in green leaves. But it takes on a more elegant, sculptural beauty in the middle of winter.
Window in the willow tunnel
Winter or summer the kids love playing in it, running through the tunnel, making dens and sailing away on imagined adventures in our willow boat.
You can contact Jenny Arran at info@jennyarran.co.uk if you’re interested in learning more about living willow sculptures. Bentley is open at weekends during the winter.
Mother bear's winter chair
