Memory Keepers

An exhibition of Yan Wang Preston's photography exploring her residency relationship with a 300-year-old sweet chestnut tree at RHS Garden Bridgewater, alongside work with Salford's Young Shoots Social Club.

Yan Wang Preston, the first artist in residence at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford, presents a new body of work centred on the garden's oldest tree, an ancient sweet chestnut. The exhibition pairs images conveying the tree's scale and lifespan with 300 stories written by the public, each inspired by one of its 300 years. It also includes photography made with socially engaged photographer Liz Lock and Salford Youth Service's Young Shoots Social Club, exploring photography as a reason to go somewhere, notice something and spend time together. The exhibition is part of OFFSHOOT, a collaboration between University of Salford Art Collection, RHS Garden Bridgewater and Open Eye Gallery.