Latest news with #DanLlywelynHall
The Herald Scotland
23-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Painting of Scotland's oldest wild Scots pine to be unveiled
Proceeds from the sale of the painting, and limited edition prints of it, will go towards conservation charity Trees for Life's work to restore the globally unique pinewoods and save them from being lost forever. The exhibition marks the 800th anniversary of the issuing of the definitive versions of the Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest in 1225. The Charter drew together the forest-related rules established by the Magna Carta and is widely regarded as the UK's first environmental legislation. The Caledonian pinewoods – home of iconic Scottish wildlife such as red squirrel, golden eagle, capercaillie and wildcat -– have been reduced to less than 2% of their original area across just 84 officially recognised remnants, scattered across the Highlands and often in poor condition. READ MORE: 'Masterful' painting by Scottish colourist sells for £380,000 at auction Paintings by two Scottish Colourists to go under the hammer Some of the surviving remnants consist of a few ancient trees, known as Granny pines, that are hundreds of years old but have no young trees growing around them to replace them when they die. According to Trees for Life, Dan Llywelyn Hall's painting of the 567-year-old Glen Loyne Pine "brings this situation into stark reality". Steve Micklewright, chief executive of Trees for Life, said: 'Dan's atmospheric painting of the Glen Loyne Pine – standing alone in the dramatic Highland landscape – shows the desperate plight of many of our native pinewoods. His brush strokes say more about the situation than words ever can. 'Scotland's native pinewoods should be playing a key role in the fightback against the nature and climate emergencies, but most are on their last legs. We need urgent landscape-scale restoration and rewilding – backed by the Scottish Government – to save, expand and connect up these precious woodlands before it's too late.' Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall with Glen Lloyne Pine painting at the Society of Antiquaries, London (Image: Malcolm Park)The woodlands once covered 1.5 million hectares of the Highlands, but over time were felled for timber or to create land for grazing. Overgrazing by deer, which browse on young pine saplings, is now the main reason for their continued decline. A detailed analysis by Trees for Life into the condition of most of the known pinewood remnants recently concluded that high impacts from artificially large deer populations are the main barrier to the pinewoods' recovery, and that many of the remnants will be lost without urgent measures to help them recover. At a major conference last autumn, 25 organisations – including charities Trees for Life and Woodland Trust Scotland, and [[pub]]lic agencies Forestry and Land Scotland and NatureScot – agreed to form the Caledonian Pinewood Partnership to boost restoration efforts. Cardiff-born Dan Llywelyn Hall is a painter known for vivid paintings, including landscape and portraiture. His portrait commissions include Her Majesty The Queen in 2013, when Dan became the youngest artist to portray the monarch. He said: 'The Glen Loyne pine has lived through major historical events, including the execution of Mary Queen of Scots, Jacobite Rebellions, creation of the United Kingdom, and Second World War. We must ensure that a new generation of Scots pine can grow that can bear witness to the events of the next 500 years. 'I hope the new Caledonian Pinewood Partnership will be inspired by the Charter of the Forest and develop a new charter for Scotland's pinewoods, one where harmony between nature and human needs is paramount.' The 'Magna Carta 1225: 800th Anniversary Exhibition' at the Society of Antiquaries runs until 19 September, and also features three other newly commissioned paintings by the artist. All depict ancient forests or specific trees alive when the Charter of the Forest was drawn up by representatives of King Henry III in 1217. Following the exhibition, the different paintings will then be sold to raise funds for Trees for Life, the Society of Antiquaries Library and Collection, and other beneficiaries. Many of the surviving Caledonian pinewoods are in ancient forests – land once reserved for the monarch and aristocracy for hunting. The Glen Loyne Pine has been dated to at least 1458 by St Andrews Tree-Ring Laboratory, and is believed to be even older. It is located in a remote ancient woodland of some 57 pines, all several centuries old, scattered through Glen Lloyne in the northwest Highlands.
The Independent
22-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Paintings celebrate 800 years of Britain's ‘first environmental laws'
Paintings celebrating 800 years of Britain's 'first environmental laws' are going on display in London. An exhibition commemorating eight centuries of Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest is opening at the Society of Antiquaries in Burlington House, London. As part of the exhibition, Dan Llywelyn Hall, the youngest artist to paint a portrait of the late Queen, has been commissioned to produce four pictures depicting trees across Great Britain. All the trees included in the work, entitled the Totems to the Charter, were alive at the time the Charter of the Forest was signed. It includes one tree said to have witnessed the signing of the first Magna Carta in 1215. The Charter of the Forest, which Mr Llywelyn Hall described as the 'first bit of environmental legislation,' was a crucial appendix to Magna Carta, which ultimately paved the way for our right to access woodland. The Magna Carta was republished several times, with the final version created in February 1225, issued with a version of the Charter. Some elements of the forest laws remained in force until the 1970s. One of Mr Llywelyn Hall's pictures depicts the Ankerwycke Yew, an ancient tree close to the ruins of St Mary's Priory in Surrey, which is believed to be 1,400 to 2,500 years old. While the signing of the original Magna Carta in 1215 is largely believed to have taken place in nearby Runnymede, the National Trust has said that some people believe the sealing actually took place by the tree. The yew is also said to be one of the places where Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn. Mr Llywelyn Hall has also captured the Caledonian Forest Pines of Scotland, which are descended from the first pines in the country, which arrived around 7,000BC. The Glen Loyne Pine depicted is one of the oldest that remains and a veteran of its species. The artist has also painted Curley Oak of the Wentwood Forest in Wales, which is more than 1,000 years old and the oldest Oak in that country. Mr Llywelyn Hall described the oak as sitting squat, nestled in a dense pine forest and 'oozing with atmosphere and an otherworldly presence'. The artist's final picture is of Beech trees near the Lost Pond in Epping Forest, some of the oldest in the world of the species. He described the 'vast sprawl' of the Lost Pond Beech as depicted as an 'ominous guardian'. Mr Llywelyn Hall said: 'The Totems to the Charter are the silent witnesses; the ancient veteran trees that were around at the time of the signing, 800 years ago. 'The Charter of the Forest is the first bit of environmental legislation that ultimately paved the way for our rights of way and access to our cherished ancient woodland. 'These rare, silent witnesses are largely the accidental survivors in dense forests; embodying history myth and legend; not to mention extraordinary eco-systems of their own. 'They deserve more reverence and protection than any man made structure.' The paintings, which go on display from July 25 to September 19, will be sold to raise funds for the Society of Antiquaries library and collection as well as the charities Trees for Life and Trees for Cities. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of rewilding charity Trees for Life, said Totems celebrated a landmark charter which recognised 'the essential relationship between humanity and woodlands'. 'We are delighted that this exhibition will bring more attention to our native woodlands and the vital role they play in supporting nature and people,' he said. During the reign of King John, who signed the first Magna Carta of 1215, large swathes of England were designated royal forest and set aside solely for the king's use. The Charter of the Forest charter granted rights to land, food and fuel to a wide cross-section of English society, from barons to commoners. While Magna Carta and the charter were English documents, chapters did deal with grievances with Welsh rulers and the King of Scotland. It is believed to be the first document in which English and Welsh law appear together and shows the Welsh, Scots and English sharing political ideas and procedures.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Paintings celebrate 800 years of Britain's ‘first environmental laws'
Paintings celebrating 800 years of Britain's 'first environmental laws' are going on display in London. An exhibition commemorating eight centuries of Magna Carta and the Charter of the Forest is opening at the Society of Antiquaries in Burlington House, London. As part of the exhibition, Dan Llywelyn Hall, the youngest artist to paint a portrait of the late Queen, has been commissioned to produce four pictures depicting trees across Great Britain. All the trees included in the work, entitled the Totems to the Charter, were alive at the time the Charter of the Forest was signed. It includes one tree said to have witnessed the signing of the first Magna Carta in 1215. The Charter of the Forest, which Mr Llywelyn Hall described as the 'first bit of environmental legislation,' was a crucial appendix to Magna Carta, which ultimately paved the way for our right to access woodland. The Magna Carta was republished several times, with the final version created in February 1225, issued with a version of the Charter. Some elements of the forest laws remained in force until the 1970s. One of Mr Llywelyn Hall's pictures depicts the Ankerwycke Yew, an ancient tree close to the ruins of St Mary's Priory in Surrey, which is believed to be 1,400 to 2,500 years old. While the signing of the original Magna Carta in 1215 is largely believed to have taken place in nearby Runnymede, the National Trust has said that some people believe the sealing actually took place by the tree. How much history has the Ankerwycke Yew seen? It's thought that King John signed the Magna Carta beneath its branches and King Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn there. Thought to be at least 2,000 years old, it continues to thrive. #FactFriday — The Tree Council (@TheTreeCouncil) August 6, 2021 The yew is also said to be one of the places where Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn. Mr Llywelyn Hall has also captured the Caledonian Forest Pines of Scotland, which are descended from the first pines in the country, which arrived around 7,000BC. The Glen Loyne Pine depicted is one of the oldest that remains and a veteran of its species. The artist has also painted Curley Oak of the Wentwood Forest in Wales, which is more than 1,000 years old and the oldest Oak in that country. Mr Llywelyn Hall described the oak as sitting squat, nestled in a dense pine forest and 'oozing with atmosphere and an otherworldly presence'. The artist's final picture is of Beech trees near the Lost Pond in Epping Forest, some of the oldest in the world of the species. If you 'find' Lost Pond in #EppingForest you can also visit this incredible coppard beech tree, located nearby. This special tree is believed to be the oldest tree in this unique, ancient woodland. 💚🌳 — Epping Forest (@CoLEppingForest) June 13, 2021 He described the 'vast sprawl' of the Lost Pond Beech as depicted as an 'ominous guardian'. Mr Llywelyn Hall said: 'The Totems to the Charter are the silent witnesses; the ancient veteran trees that were around at the time of the signing, 800 years ago. 'The Charter of the Forest is the first bit of environmental legislation that ultimately paved the way for our rights of way and access to our cherished ancient woodland. 'These rare, silent witnesses are largely the accidental survivors in dense forests; embodying history myth and legend; not to mention extraordinary eco-systems of their own. 'They deserve more reverence and protection than any man made structure.' The paintings, which go on display from July 25 to September 19, will be sold to raise funds for the Society of Antiquaries library and collection as well as the charities Trees for Life and Trees for Cities. Steve Micklewright, chief executive of rewilding charity Trees for Life, said Totems celebrated a landmark charter which recognised 'the essential relationship between humanity and woodlands'. 'We are delighted that this exhibition will bring more attention to our native woodlands and the vital role they play in supporting nature and people,' he said. During the reign of King John, who signed the first Magna Carta of 1215, large swathes of England were designated royal forest and set aside solely for the king's use. The Charter of the Forest charter granted rights to land, food and fuel to a wide cross-section of English society, from barons to commoners. While Magna Carta and the charter were English documents, chapters did deal with grievances with Welsh rulers and the King of Scotland. It is believed to be the first document in which English and Welsh law appear together and shows the Welsh, Scots and English sharing political ideas and procedures.
BreakingNews.ie
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BreakingNews.ie
Portrait of last Battle of Britain pilot handed over at National Museum
A portrait of the last Battle of Britain pilot, John 'Paddy' Hemingway, has been handed over at the National Museum of Ireland. Group Captain Hemingway, originally from Dublin, was the final surviving member of 'The Few', who took to the skies in 1940 to defend the UK against Luftwaffe attacks in what became a pivotal moment of the Second World War. Advertisement He died in March this year, at the age of 105. His portrait will find a permanent home at Collins Barracks in Dublin. Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway (Brian Lawless/PA) The portrait, unveiled by Mr Hemingway at the British Embassy in Dublin last year marking his 105th birthday, was painted by Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, 44. He was the last living pilot from the Battle of Britain and would have been 106 on July 17. Advertisement Mr Llywelyn Hall is known for numerous portraits, such as the Queen, Shane MacGowan, Amy Winehouse and other public figures. Mr Llywelyn Hall said: 'I am pleased for the portrait of the Last of the Few, John Hemingway, to be a legacy for the public in John's native Ireland. 'It's especially meaningful this portrait will live in Dublin as it was John's home and held in great affection. 'This portrait serves as both a record of remarkable life and a testament to the rich personality beyond the uniform.' Advertisement He added: 'I sat with John in 2024 in his nursing home and we chatted a lot. 'I was endlessly drawing in the process, taking photographs, videoing and gathering as much information as I could. 'I couldn't epitomise his whole life in one canvas so I broke it down into a series of five, depicting different facets of his character and his life. 'For this one, it seemed appropriate that the National Museum chose this to represent his life. Advertisement 'I am delighted it has ended up in a public collection. 'It can be looked at and kept under a watchful eye and be amongst other artefacts and objects and things which relate to his life.' Brenda Malone, curator of Irish Military History, said: 'We are delighted to accept this generous gift from Dan, and are particularly happy to record John Hemingway's story, through his portrait, with us. 'The National Museum collects and preserves the history of Irishmen and women's experience of military service around the world, especially in times of conflict. Advertisement 'John's story stands as a representation for the many Irish people who served in the Royal Air Force during WWII. 'His portrait and history will form a valuable part of our collections which we hold in trust for the Irish people.' In 1940, Group Capt Hemingway was recorded as destroying a German airliner and the following day he downed a German Luftwaffe plane, but his Hurricane fighter was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to make a forced landing. He then became one of the frontline members of 11 Group's response to daily attacks by German aircraft, which went on to be known as the Battle of Britain. In August 1940, during hectic dogfights, he was twice forced to bail out of his Hurricanes, landing once in the sea off the Essex coast and in marshland on the other occasion. In 1941 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and in September of that year he was mentioned in despatches by senior officers.
The Independent
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Portrait of last Battle of Britain pilot handed over at National Museum
A portrait of the last Battle of Britain pilot, John 'Paddy' Hemingway, has been handed over at the National Museum of Ireland. Group Captain Hemingway, originally from Dublin, was the final surviving member of 'The Few', who took to the skies in 1940 to defend the UK against Luftwaffe attacks in what became a pivotal moment of the Second World War. He died in March this year, at the age of 105. His portrait will find a permanent home at Collins Barracks in the Irish capital. The portrait, unveiled by Mr Hemingway at the British Embassy in Dublin last year marking his 105th birthday, was painted by Welsh artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, 44. He was the last living pilot from the Battle of Britain and would have been 106 on July 17. Mr Llywelyn Hall is known for numerous portraits, such as the Queen, Shane MacGowan, Amy Winehouse and other public figures. Mr Llywelyn Hall said: 'I am pleased for the portrait of the Last of the Few, John Hemingway, to be a legacy for the public in John's native Ireland. 'It's especially meaningful this portrait will live in Dublin as it was John's home and held in great affection. 'This portrait serves as both a record of remarkable life and a testament to the rich personality beyond the uniform.' He added: 'I sat with John in 2024 in his nursing home and we chatted a lot. 'I was endlessly drawing in the process, taking photographs, videoing and gathering as much information as I could. 'I couldn't epitomise his whole life in one canvas so I broke it down into a series of five, depicting different facets of his character and his life. 'For this one, it seemed appropriate that the National Museum chose this to represent his life. 'I am delighted it has ended up in a public collection. 'It can be looked at and kept under a watchful eye and be amongst other artefacts and objects and things which relate to his life.' Brenda Malone, curator of Irish Military History, said: 'We are delighted to accept this generous gift from Dan, and are particularly happy to record John Hemingway's story, through his portrait, with us. 'The National Museum collects and preserves the history of Irishmen and women's experience of military service around the world, especially in times of conflict. 'John's story stands as a representation for the many Irish people who served in the Royal Air Force during WWII. 'His portrait and history will form a valuable part of our collections which we hold in trust for the Irish people.' In 1940, Group Capt Hemingway was recorded as destroying a German airliner and the following day he downed a German Luftwaffe plane, but his Hurricane fighter was hit by anti-aircraft fire and he had to make a forced landing. He then became one of the frontline members of 11 Group's response to daily attacks by German aircraft, which went on to be known as the Battle of Britain. In August 1940, during hectic dogfights, he was twice forced to bail out of his Hurricanes, landing once in the sea off the Essex coast and in marshland on the other occasion. In 1941 he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) and in September of that year he was mentioned in despatches by senior officers.
