Devon artist creates unique Haytor tribute for Dartmoor's 75th anniversary
An Ashburton artist has collaborated with Dartmoor National Park Authority on a special anniversary artwork featuring Haytor, incorporating layers of Dartmoor history, culture and wildlife into a limited-edition print
A new artwork celebrating the 75th anniversary of Dartmoor National Park has been unveiled in partnership with Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Haytor - A Dartmoor Icon has been created by Devon artist Glen Middleham and depicts one of Dartmoor's most recognisable landmarks using a mixed media collage made from archive materials held in Dartmoor's record libraries.
The artwork incorporates a range of details linked to Dartmoor's landscape and history, including ‘wildlife, newspaper headlines, fragments of poetry, letterbox stamps and pixies’.
Haytor - A Dartmoor Icon was created as part of celebrations marking 75 years since Dartmoor was designated a National Park in 1951.
A limited edition of 75 giclée fine art prints has been produced, with proceeds supporting the work of Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Mr Middleham said: "It's such an honour to have been invited to create this collage and to have been granted access to Dartmoor National Park's rich archive.
"I've spent hours and hours weaving the history of Dartmoor National Park into the piece - assembling the elements to form a recognisable view of Haytor.
"Each blade of grass and every gorse thorn have been cut and applied by hand. Every section of the granite tor has been created using vintage texts about Dartmoor, and the kestrel alone took 30 hours to complete.
"It really has been a labour of love, and I'm thrilled to be part of the celebrations and to support Dartmoor National Park Authority's continued good work with Haytor - A Dartmoor Icon."
Dartmoor National Park Authority chair Will Dracup welcomed the project.
“We're delighted to be working with a local business and such a talented artist on this celebratory piece of art, marking the 75th anniversary of Dartmoor National Park's designation,” he said.
"The archival content included within the work is meticulous, and the print truly represents what makes Dartmoor so special.
"We hope the 75 people who hang this unique artwork on their walls take great pleasure in its beauty, and we thank them for their contribution in helping to support people and nature on Dartmoor for the next 75 years and beyond."
Dartmoor is one of 15 National Parks in the UK and is marking 75 years since its designation as a National Park in 1951.
The National Park Authority said funds raised through sales of the artwork will help support its work to conserve and enhance Dartmoor's natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, while promoting opportunities for people to enjoy and understand the landscape.