#HogarthsMulberry
As part of the Urban Tree Festival, Hogarth’s House is launching a Twitter campaign to get people inspired and creating!
Photograph of the Mulberry Tree by Katri Salonen
At the centre of Hogarth’s House, resides our historic mulberry tree. It is more than 350 years old and has seen a lot over the years. It has outlived all the other trees from the 17th century when the site was a walled orchard with mulberries as well as cherries, apricots and walnuts. In the 18th century, when the artist William Hogarth was living here, the mulberry tree would have been clearly visible from both his home and his studio above his coachhouse and would have also provided shade for the Foundling children who lived here with the Hogarths during the summer months. In the 19th century, it would have overlooked the flowering plants of the nurseryman who lived in the House. In the 20th century, it managed to survive a bomb blast during the Second World War.
Its beauty and history has inspired photographers, painters and printmakers to date and we hope it can continue even while Hogarth’s House is currently closed. Perhaps this makes you think of a beloved tree in your own garden? Or you might be moved by the story of a tree bearing witness to history. It may well invite you to pause and think about the effects of pollution and climate change. You might even just find its twisting branches and the lean it has developed beautiful.
We invite anyone who is inspired by the tree and all it represents to respond with a creative piece. We hope to see pieces from our local practicing creatives in Hounslow, but also from young people perfecting their craft and from families looking for a bit of creative fun this Spring. I hope people will be inspired and moved by what our community can create to connect us.
Anyone can share their words, videos or images and tag them with #HogarthsMulberry as well as the Urban Tree Festival’s tags #UrbanTreeFestival and #MyGreatTree.
Painting of the mulberry tree by Jason Bower
About Hogarth’s House
Hogarth’s House is a historic house in Chiswick and former home of the 18th century painter, printmaker and satirist William Hogarth. The House is owned and operated by the London Borough of Hounslow and undergoing a National Lottery Heritage Fund project to replant the garden centred around our 350+ year old mulberry tree, build a new learning studio and offer an expanded public programme later this year.
Photo by Katri Salonen
Join Peter Coles on Wednesday 20th May for his event Hogarth’s House and Chiswick’s other mulberries.
