Rows of silver birch saplings in a square formation

David Nash: 49 Square

Art Outdoors /

David Nash: 49 Square

49 Square was created by Nash in 2013 as a permanent work in the YSP landscape. It comprises 49 Himalayan birch trees, which, planted in seven rows of seven, will grow to form a white cube on the lake’s embankment.

This work relates to Ash Dome, a pivotal work created by Nash in 1977. He planted saplings in woodland in North Wales that over time have created a dome shape through the artist regularly cutting and shaping the trees, so they grow in a certain way. Like Ash Dome, 49 Square is also a ‘living’ sculpture.

Making art outside is completely different from working inside. [Inside] we’ve got four walls, a flat floor and ceiling. We’ve neutralised the elemental forces. As soon as you go out there, you are dealing with slopes, wind, air, rain. You are in another dimension. You are not necessarily in competition with it, but you are in it.

- David Nash
  • Rows of silver birch saplings in a square formation
  • Rows of silver birch saplings in a square formation
  • Rows of silver birch saplings in a square formation

David Nash: Ash Dome (drawings)

  • David Nash, Ash Dome, 2013
  • YSP David Nash, Ash Dome - Four Seasons, 2021

You might also like

  1. David Nash Barnsley Lump 1982 at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    David Nash: Barnsley Lump

    Barnsley Lump is a rough-cut block of local coal that connects to the geological and social history of the area. It is gradually disintegrating back into the earth, as Nash anticipated, describing it as a ‘going’ work.
  2. Three large stones, with trees growing behind them
    Art Outdoors

    David Nash: Three Stones for Three Trees

  3. Alfredo Jaar The Garden of Good and Evil 2017 Courtesy the artist New York apolitical and YSP at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
    Art Outdoors

    Alfredo Jaar: The Garden of Good and Evil

  4. Two grey boulder-like sculptures surrounded by bluebells
    Art Outdoors

    Phyllida Barlow: untitled: squatboulder; untitled: triplestackboulders

    At first look untitled: squatboulder and untitled: triplestackboulders appear to be large stones. However closer inspection reveals the human presence in their creation. Untitled: triplestackboulders is mounted on castors, which adds to the absurdity of its seemingly natural appearance.