WORK OF THE WEEK: Alison Crowther, Anatomy of a Tree, 2026

Alison Crowther
Anatomy of a Tree
2026
English Oak
200 x 175 x 30 cm
78 ¾ x 68 ⅞ x 11 ¾ in.

Alison Crowther works with naturally felled trees and is guided by their concentric lines to create unique forms, bringing together structured geometry revealing the tree's inner anatomy. By retaining the marks and patterns of timber, Crowther accentuates the natural, grounding presence of this ancient material.

Chiselled by hand, Anatomy of a Tree's crescents are carved from a storm felled English Oak from Petworth Park. The book matched halves reveal the core, heart wood of the timber running vertically through the cross section.

It is my desire to view nature though nature's eyes and to ignore man as an object for special veneration.

Isamu Noguchi, 1926

Alison Crowther (b. Keiughley, West Yorkshire, 1965) studied at Buckinghamshire College of Higher Education (1984-87) and the Royal College of Art, London (1987-89). Examples of Crowther’s work are held in several public collections, including Winchester Cathedral, The Rothschild Collection, and Glyndebourne Opera.

Anatomy of a Tree recently opened at New Art Centre, bringing together over 20 woodcarvings which showcase Crowther's skill in her first solo exhibition with the gallery. The show spreads across the main Gallery, Orangery and Stable Gallery. To see the exhibition online, please visit our Artsy Viewing Room below: