Celebrating the landscape, heritage and creativity of the Darent Valley, these projects explore its rich artistic legacy, natural beauty, and community connections. From exhibitions honouring past artists to innovative modern works, each one offers a new way to experience and appreciate this distinctive valley.
Samuel Palmer Art Exhibition: Visionary Landscapes
The Samuel Palmer Art Exhibition celebrated the artist’s Shoreham years, showcasing his works alongside contemporary responses from local artists. Curated by the Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme (DVLPS) as part of Kent Downs National Landscape, the exhibition highlighted Palmer’s artistic legacy and deep connection to the Darent Valley.
Key Highlights
- Featured facsimiles of Palmer’s key Shoreham works alongside modern artistic responses
- Supported the Samuel Palmer Trail, connecting his art to the valley’s landscape.
- Selection panel included experts from the Ashmolean Museum, DVLPS, and local art networks
- Curated by Sarah Newman and Selina Levinson Drake with contributions from regional artists and organizations
This exhibition was a key cultural project within the DVLPS, ensuring Palmer’s artistic vision remains accessible and celebrated.
Samuel Palmer: Visionary Landscapes – An Exhibition
The Samuel Palmer: Visionary Landscapes exhibition explored the life and work of Samuel Palmer during his time in Shoreham, Kent, showcasing responses from contemporary artists influenced by his creative legacy. The exhibition was displayed at Kaleidoscope Gallery in Sevenoaks and Sir Peter Blake Gallery in Dartford in 2024. It featured both facsimiles of Palmer’s works and new pieces inspired by his techniques and connection to the Darent Valley landscape.
Key Highlights
- Focused on Samuel Palmer’s artistic journey during his Shoreham years.
- Featured responses from contemporary artists, including those influenced by Palmer’s style and landscape.
- A collaboration between the Darent Valley Landscape Partnership Scheme (DVLPS) and various art professionals, including Colin Harrison, Senior Curator at the Ashmolean Museum.
- Exhibited at Kaleidoscope Gallery (January-March 2024) and Sir Peter Blake Gallery (March-May 2024).
- A free online gallery and exhibition catalogue is available for those who were unable to attend in person.
Virtual Reality Film Project: Stream of Consciousness
Stream of Consciousness is an immersive 360-degree VR film by Shoreham-based artist Feral Practice, created in 2023-2024. The 18-minute film follows the Darent River from its source in Westerham to the Dartford Marshes, celebrating the valley’s landscapes, biodiversity, and habitats. It connects the ancient trees of Lullingstone Country Park to the work of Samuel Palmer.
Key Highlights
- Explores the Darent Valley’s landscapes, from wildflower meadows to wetlands
- Features narration, recorded conversations, and immersive field sound recordings
- Overlays 360-degree footage with 4K and HD close-ups of species
We hope you enjoy this 2-minute excerpt of Stream of Consciousness.
Here is the full film (not virtual reality).
This project was co-financed by the European Union and the European Regional Development Fund.
