Across the Chalke Downs, Spring by David Walsh
One of the pleasures of running this blog is the opportunity to meet people who I would probably never come across in my day to day life. It is also quite surprising how many of them know Blandford Forum’s greatest travel writer, the ubiquitous Harry Bucknall. And so it was when a brochure for an art exhibition of David Walsh’s work dropped through my letterbox a couple of weeks ago.
I was immediately struck by how David brings real life and depth to his work, much of it being from the downland of Hampshire and Wiltshire. His skies are amazing and absolutely resonated with me as someone has walked on those same hills and Ox Droves. He also spends a lot of time in Italy and he has many works from there on display.
When I rang David to make an appointment to visit his studio we talked about how he may have come across my address and our main vector was Harry; everyone seems to know Harry!
Since then I have visited his studio and bought one of his paintings, something to remind me of the freedom, and the space and emptiness of the Ox Droves above Cranborne Chase close to where David lives. His planned London exhibition has had to be postponed due to Covid, but he is welcoming visitors by arrangement (Covid regs permitting).
If you are looking for something to remind you of better times (ironically much of his work was painted during the brilliant weather we had during the first lockdown with contrail-clear skies; probably a never to be repeated opportunity), please do drop David an email david@david-walsh.net or phone: Studio 01722 780097, Mobile 07806 750748. Do mention the Paddy blog if you do contact him. His work is selling quite quickly so do make contact if you are interested. All his paintings come framed in beautiful handmade frames by a craftsman in Florence.
Visit David’s website to view more of his work for sale as well as those he has sold. David is available for commissions.
Late Summer, Looking towards Salisbury by David Walsh
Patrick Leigh Fermor 
All I can say, dear Tom, is the moment Blandford Forum uncovers another travel writer, I am scuppered; of greater concern is that you visited David without coming to see us … !
Harry – after much research and consultation with the appropriate authorities, it was stated that two artistic visits in a day were deemed as “non-essential travel” and outwith the prevailing Covid regulations. The subsequent visit to the bakery in Corfe Castle was, however, essential; their famous Cornish pasties being the type of nutrition encouraged by the authorities in these difficult times. Time was short and by the time we arrived there was only one left!
Once lockdown is complete, a further trip to the wild west for pasty hunting may be in order. I shall update you!
This makes me miss the English countryside!