Apples & People explores the astonishing story of the apple, connecting its diverse history to humanity and culture. Based upon a newly commissioned global map of the apple which traces a network of stories from the ancient world to the present day, this online programme and associated social media will reveal just how significant and iconic this humble fruit has become.
We publish this new Apple Story on the 18th June to mark International Picnic Day, when teddy bears go down to the woods to have their apple picnic……
There’s a new commission from artist Suzie Owens called ‘The Mountain that Bears Fruit’ which is an amazing three-minute shadow puppet animation. It features a brown bear that has a particular fondness for apples in the fruit forests of the Tian Shan.
Also, we have art from: bestselling author and illustrator of children’s picture books Emily Gravett; painter and engraver Heinrich Aldegrever; a block-print from Bonfield Block-Printers; and ‘Falling Apples’ from photographer Bill Bradshaw.
Emily Gravett - Bear Apple © the artist
Billy Apple® - Cut 1964, offset lithograph on T.H. Saunders paper, edition of 25 Courtesy of The Mayor Gallery, London © Billy Apple ®
Fruit Label © Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center
John Everett Millais, Spring (Apple Blossoms) 1856-59 © Lady Lever Art Gallery
A series of more than forty short stories will explore different aspects of the apple’s significance to people across the world. These stories will be released over eighteen months, starting in January 2021, with the latest appearing here.
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Tōson Shimazaki
Home, Journal‘Hatsukoi’ or ‘First Love’ is a poem written by Japanese author and romantic poet Tōson Shimazaki which tells the story of dreamy love and growing up, set amongst apple trees. This commission is read by Masayo Sasaki with a piano accompaniment.