2024 Exhibition: “A Brockley Plane”
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The story
Hello! I’m George, I’ve lived in Brockley since 2012 and travelled as a landscape photographer throughout that time.
During lockdown, I took my camera out to explore nature in local areas and found peace, tranquility and wonder in Brockley and Ladywell cemetery: The winding paths, towering trees and plants sprawling over Victorian gravestones and memorials. It’s a wonderful place and I’m hugely grateful to the Friends group for their tireless, voluntary work to preserve it.
I initially selected five different locations in the cemetery to photograph through the seasons. However, getting the exact position for the tripod, and managing the changing composition as the seasons passed was a real challenge.
An incredible summer picture, with bursting leaves and harsh light might not work in winter. The continuous gardening work - although essential for cemetery upkeep - also brought unexpected challenges for photography continuity!
This plane tree series captures London’s iconic giant. The cow parsley underneath rises up and dies back dramatically, with the autumn colours, spring and summer light and stark minimalism of winter all creating a grand scenic atmosphere in the heart of a London community.
The Inspiration
A poem by Amy Levy, discovered in the wonderful book “Ghost Trees” by Bob Gilbert who describes the history and culture of trees in London.
“Green is the plane‐tree in the square
The other trees are brown
They droop and pine for country air
The plane‐tree loves the town.
Here from my garret‐pane, I mark
The plane‐tree bud and blow
Shed her recuperative bark
And spread her shade below.
Among her branches, in and out
The city breezes play
The dun fog wraps her round about
Above, the smoke curls grey.
Others the country take for choice
And hold the town in scorn
But she has listened to the voice
On city breezes borne.
— “A London Plane Tree”, Amy Levy 1889
The seasons
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Spring
The London plane tree in spring represents renewal and new beginnings, mirroring Brockley's vibrant spirit and rejuvenation after winter. Its budding leaves symbolize the fresh energy and growth that invigorate our community each year and bring hope for the warmer months ahead.
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Summer
In summer, the plane tree stands in full splendor, its lush canopy providing cool refuge above the waves of cow parsley underneath. Sumer trul yhighlights the importance of our green spaces, offering a serene escape away from the everyday.
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Autumn
Autumn transforms the plane tree into a tapestry of amber and gold, as summer leaves turn and fall to the ground and mist gathers around. Autumn reminds us of the beauty found in transitions and to accept the evolution of time.
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Winter
Winter reveals the plane tree's intricate branches, standing resilient against the cold as it has done for over 150 years . This season underscores the quiet beauty and enduring presence of nature in our urban landscape, encouraging reflection and appreciation.