Rob and Nick Carter

RN1101
Bronze Oak Grove
2017

installation view, Dulwich Picture Gallery Gardens

9 patinated bronze tree stumps

each 19 × 72 × 50 in | 48 × 183 × 127 cm

after Jacob de Gheyn II (c.1565-1629)

The heavy trunk of an oak, sawn off horizontally above its roots, 1600

brown ink on brown paper

4 1/2 × 9 in | 11 × 23 cm

Biblioteca Ambrosiana Collection, Milan

Throughout history the oak tree has been held in high esteem and is considered the most venerated tree in European culture. Dense forests of oak once covered most of Northern Europe and in those days the oak was held most sacred. Oak groves were used as pagan places of worship and the oak, used in a combination of rituals with certain spells, was considered a sure charm against witchery. People frequented the oak for its curative powers - its wood was used for building, its branches for fuel, its acorns for food and its leaves to promote healing. Famed for its endurance and longevity, it is synonymous with strength and steadfastness.

This monumental installation consists of nine identical bronze tree stumps sited in a circular arrangement to represent an ancient oak grove – a feat of engineering using advanced 3D scanning, printing and centrifugal bronze casting.

Bronze Oak Grove is installed in the gardens of Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, London, SE21 7AD until Summer 2024.