What a privilege to be asked to exhibit my sculptures at The National Trust’s Priorwood Gardens in Melrose.

They were due to open on 1^st April, but as the lockdown went on, it was put on hold and finally opened at the beginning of July, running until the end of October.

With people looking for places to meet outdoors the gardens became a popular venue this year and the exhibition has been a huge success. I sold both the female deer and the horse and I am still working on some commissions it brought. So, I am hugely grateful to John Baxter, the garden’s manager.

The request by Borders ITV News for an interview however brought mixed feelings. What an opportunity, but what a nerve-racking prospect. But Clare McNeill put me at my ease and I think created a fantastic piece…..

15 SEP 2020

Animal willow sculptures on display at Priorwood Garden

Written by John Baxter, Visitor Services Manager

Visitors to Priorwood Garden will notice something different about the garden if they visit before the end of October. Willow sculptures of battling stags, hares, deer, a fox, two swallows and a pony, all created by artist Anna Turnbull, are on display in the woodland garden and orchard.

Anna’s wonderful work is inspired by the rural landscape in which she lives and works – the wildlife, organic forms, rich colours and textures of nature. She grows a variety of willows, using this and other locally grown materials in her work.

Her willow sculptures start with drawings, observations of movement, shapes, forms, the flow of muscles, directions, lines and tensions.

Her willow sculptures start with drawings, observations of movement, shapes, forms, the flow of muscles, directions, lines and tensions.

Her husband Richard constructs a metal skeleton as a starting point for the weaving, to give strength and extend the life of the piece in an outdoor environment.

Anna then weaves the willow in bundles, creating lines which echo the contours of the muscles of the body, gradually building up the sculpture.

Enjoy a visit to Priorwood Garden this autumn and see these stunning sculptures for yourself.

All of Anna’s work is for sale and bespoke pieces can also be commissioned.