Droves & Downs is a brand new exhibition from four artists who were awarded bursaries by Dorset Visual Arts to create a body of work inspired by the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. Via an open call, artists were invited by Dorset Visual Arts to submit proposals to explore the different facets of the Chase’s ecology and heritage - meadows, river systems, and byways as well as aspects of its communities, human history and importance now as a National Landscape.

Annabel Beasley, Siân Cann, Richard Gregory and Tonia Gunstone have spent the summer researching chosen areas, delving into this precious landscape, with support from Cranborne Chase National Landscape officers and advisors. As well as exploring both individual and collective stories of the Chase, the artists have also been encouraged to develop new approaches to their practice informed by some of the unique features of this secluded area which lies at the heart of Wessex. 

The distinctive landscape of the Chase, criss-crossed by droves, chalk streams, and ancient Roman roads, has long captivated artists. Its surreal Stone, Bronze, and Iron-Age monuments, interspersed with isolated groves, woods, and dry valleys, have inspired figures such as John Craxton, Stanley Spencer, and Elizabeth Frink.

Featuring Photography, Drawing, Sculpture, Painting and Film, the results of the project will be unveiled in a group exhibition at Shaftesbury Arts Centre from Weds 5th - Tues 18th November, 10am - 4pm, free admission.

The project is part of the DVAtions programme which has featured regional curated arts exhibitions across the county in 2025. As DVA declares a Climate Emergency, exhibitions such as 'In Our Nature' at Durlston Country Park and 'Biophilia' at Dorset County Hospital have explored notions around threatened ecology, place and wellbeing.

Droves & Downs is a collaboration between Dorset Visual Arts and Cranborne Chase National Landscape and is supported by Community and Culture funding from Dorset Council.