I first met Mark Zytynski in April at Glanusk during the Estate Fayre having followed him on Twitter for a while. His display of photographs was stunning and somewhat magical, drawing me in and making me stop for a while as I appreciated his amazing work.
In May I was in Crickhowell and saw him at the St Edmunds Church which was his venue for the Crickhowell Open Studios and was again drawn to his work. As well as the photographs Mark had his book Kensington Gardens Treescapes on show which I had a brief look through, it was as charming and magical as his photo display. Mark very kindly asked me if I would like a copy of his book and I was delighted to accept, telling him I would have a good look through and would then share my thoughts with everyone.
It's taken me some time to get a quiet moment but I found one with no children, no noise and no nonsense so I settled down with a cup of coffee to enjoy a collection of photographs with historical notes, tree facts and poems.
What a treat! The photos are splendid. I don't tend to notice the beauty of the trees around me, but now when I look at gnarled trunks I know that they're veteran trees (trees that are still alive but have stopped growing and show signs of age with their gnarled trunks and craggy limbs). I also didn't know that Horse Chestnuts were introduced to Britan in the 1600s from their native Balkans and Asia Minor, where the nuts were used to cure coughs in horses.
If I had to choose a favourite shot it would probably be no 52, a scene so at odds with the busy London that we all know yet hunger for.
In his introduction Mark says "I hope you enjoy this book as much as I have enjoyed making it", well I did - it was fascinating, interesting and the photography was stunning.
Thank you Mark!