On Thursday 25 April, artist Verity Howard and Gemma Moore, Herefordshire Visual Artists Network Coordinator, led the HVAN members on a walk around Hereford city centre. They explored some of the routes that Hereford naturalist Alfred Watkins (1855-1935) used to follow. Participants delved into the history of Hereford and looked closer at places that may have been familiar to them. They observed, discussed, shared knowledge, and documented their interests as they wandered.

Verity was fascinated by the mystery surrounding Watkins’ theory on ‘Ley Lines,’ which detailed that ancient sites are connected by straight tracks and lines of sight through the landscape. Watkins took photographs and drew maps to document his research.

The Alfred Watkins walk in Hereford was fascinating and very enjoyable. Our artist guide Verity Howard was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and the group all contributed as we walked around. I felt engaged and revived by it, and feel more attached to Hereford itself as a result. It was good to remind myself of how atmospheric Watkins photographs are, and that will hopefully inform my own photographic work. Thanks to Gemma Moore and to Meadow Arts for the opportunity. 

HVAN member

Thank you to everyone who came on the walk. It was great to make some new connections and reconnect with artists I have met previously. I thoroughly enjoyed looking closer at our local environment, sharing stories, knowledge and discovering a hidden gem in the form of a remaining part of Hereford’s Saxon City Wall.

Artist Verity Howard 

Thanks to funding support from Herefordshire Council via the UKSPF programme, the Herefordshire Visual Artists Network is a network of visual artists working across the county who come together to share news about their practice, ideas for forthcoming projects, network, and update their skills via bespoke CPD training. The network is led by Gemma Moore, a young artist from rural Herefordshire. You can still get involved by emailing Gemma Moore: gemma@meadowarts.org.