Opening on Thursday 17 April, Sylva, the new exhibition at the John Hope Gateway, marks the 350th anniversary of the publication of one of the earliest practical manuals on silviculture, Sylva.  Written by the diarist John Evelyn, the text helped change perceptions of trees and forests and inspired generations of landowners to manage their woodlands better.

To celebrate this anniversary, artist Sarah Simblet was commissioned to produce 200 drawings to illustrate The New Sylva, a contemporary version of the text, co-authored by Gabriel Hemery and Sarah Simblet.  Published by Bloomsbury, it is inspired by Evelyn’s philosophy and honours his poignant plea for change by introducing the idea sustainable forestry to a modern audience.

The drawings, of which a selection are shown in the exhibition, detail modern approaches to planting and managing forest and orchard trees.  Nearly 50 species have been meticulously depicted in pen and ink, from mature trees to small seedlings, with detailed studies of botanical parts. Associated animals, insects and woodland flowers of the surrounding ecosystem have also been included, as well as the insights into the forestry process and the future of our forests.