Three large stones, with trees growing behind them

David Nash: Three Stones for Three Trees

Art Outdoors /

David Nash: Three Stones for Three Trees

During his YSP residency in 1981-82, Nash made a series of site generated works, some of which were temporary in nature and some that still remain at YSP 40 years later.

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.

At the same time Nash created the ‘coming’ work Three Stones for Three Trees, which comprises a sycamore, an oak and a beech tree, each planted by the artist next to a large, upright sandstone block, sourced from a local quarry. The trees continue to grow in a constantly evolving relationship with the stones.

Three small trees growing next to three large stones
Three Stones for Three Trees in 1981
Three large trees growing next to three large stones
Three Stones for Three Trees in 2022

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