Full image of 2,500 year old Ankerwycke Yew tree – Pen and ink
Runnymede and Ankerwycke – Surrey
Runnymede and Ankerwycke lie either side of the River Thames, sited on its ecologically significant floodplain. It was the location of the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215 and Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are believed to have courted under the 2,500 year-old Yew tree at Ankerwycke.
Brief:
As part of the National Trust’s Runnymede Explored project, I was commissioned to create seven illustrations of flora and fauna found at the sites Langham Ponds and Meadows. These illustrations have been incorporated into the new interpretive design of the site. In addition, I was commissioned to create a large (approx 3m wide) illustration of the Ankerwycke Yew. The brief required me to illustrate the tree and incorporate artifacts within the drawing, acting as a timeline of the life of the tree. These small images, which include a Roman helmet, medieval tile, a locket from Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn, and a pound coin (among others), are hidden within the tree’s bark.
Close-up of Ankerwycke Yew tree illustration – Pen and ink
Detail of Roman helmet hidden within the bark of the tree
Detail of interpretation graphic featuring the Ankerwycke Yew illustration. (Interpretation platform designed by Tandem Design)
Interpretation graphic and platform showing use of the Ankerwycke Yew illustration. The panels are flanked by ‘clootie’ boards where people are able to tie and hang votives to the ancient tree. (Interpretation platform designed by Tandem Design)
Interpretation graphic showing use of illustrations (Graphic designed by Tandem Design)
Kingfisher – pen and ink
Water Droplet – pen and ink
Interpretation graphic showing use of illustrations (Graphic designed by Tandem Design)
NATALIE SCURLL • ILLUSTRATOR 