A EXHIBITION celebrating some of Cornwall’s most special trees will open on August 3 at the Heseltine Gallery in the grounds of Truro School.

‘Trees & Memories’ features more than 20 paintings by Kate Cambridge, each capturing a tree selected by local figures and accompanied by personal reflections and memories.

Notable examples hail from Heligan, Caerhays Castle, Antony, Trebah, Boconnoc, Trewithen and more – all painted in Kate’s signature modern classic style, and paired with real voices telling stories that make the trees unforgettable.

Dedicated tree painter Kate lives and works on the Tregrehan estate in St Austell, one of the Great Gardens of Cornwall with 153 registered Champion Trees - more than any other garden in the South West, and many the tallest of their kind in Great Britain.

Kate specialised in painting trees after discovering the ancient Scandinavian tradition of Guardian Trees during a trip to Norway. “These trees are considered part of the homestead, the family even,” she said. “They are a symbol of health and wealth. People honour them and give thanks and gifts to them. I think if everyone did that, the world would be a much nicer place.

Champion trees are important examples of their species due to their enormous size, great age, rarity or historical significance. “I like to think Champion Trees aren’t a million miles from Guardian Trees - they are historic, majestic and beautiful,” says Kate.

“By recording the stories of the trees people love, I am giving them a value that makes them harder to hurt. Some memories will be poignant, other people will just like a particular tree – and that’s fine. Every tree you see is a piece of artwork by nature – I am just highlighting that.” A book is planned for next year.

The exhibition runs daily from August 3 to 16, 10am to 4pm, and is free to attend.