Topiary is the practice of trimming and pruning trees and shrubs into clearly defined and fanciful shapes. As an art form, it is a type of living sculpture, and its practice in Europe dates from Roman times. Featured in this issue are a history of topiary and the changing views of nature by botanical philosopher Norbert Peeters; a conversation with Chris Crowder, head gardener of the celebrated topiary gardens at Levens Hall; the ancient Japanese tradition of ‘niwaki’, or sculpting trees; a glimpse of topiary’s future by artist Rustan Söderling; centrefold miniatures by Andrei Pacea, and more. ‘Pleasant Place’ is a growing collection of publications about the art of gardening. What’s up with our unrelenting desire to clip and sculpt the natural world into submission? Including:Magnum Opus Topiarium – Botanical philosopher Norbert Peeters takes us through the history of topiary and the changing views of nature.Le Bal Des Ifs – a comic by artist Fiona Lutjenhuis.Topiary in Art History – From holy, to phallic, to terrifying, topiary has been depicted in many ways.It may have been a formal garden, once – We talked to the wonderful Chris Crowder, head gardener at Levens Hall, the oldest topiary gardens in the world.Niwaki – Alec Schellinx observes the Japanese tradition of niwakiWhat’s Eating Hedges – Writer Eliot Haworth ponders the fight against suburban monoculture. With illustrations by Jordan Herregraven.The Shape of Shrubs to Come – A glimpse of the future of topiary by artist Rustan Söderling. Centrefold miniatures by Andrei Pacea The cover is by Lou-Lou van Staaveren & Guus Kaandorp and the inside cover is by Jan Dirk van der Burg Graphic design is by fanfareConcept and editing by Guus Kaandorp, Floor Kortman and Lou-Lou van Staaveren Softcover, 40 pages, plus miniatures in centrefold, 18 × 24 cm, English, October 2024
