49 Pomegranates

Today I visited one of my favourite local National Trust properties, The Vyne. The house was playing host to Unravelling at the Vyne, where ten makers and artists have taken inspiration from its history, a history that encompasses broad subjects from Henry VIII to 18th century dandies and Tokein's 'Lord of the Rings'.

For me, one of the best pieces is by Alec Stevens, for which he focused on the use of the pomegranate in the Oak Gallery, as the symbol of Catherine of Aragon. Unfortunately, Henry VIII only visited the house after his divorce from Catherine, meaning the pomegranates needed to be strategically covered. For 49 Pomegranates, Alex Stevens has carved the fruits out of wood, as though ‘plucked from their origin within the panelling and piled in haste under the hall rug moments before being hidden from the King’s sight.’