‘The House of Art and Nature’ brings together Essex Wildlife Trust, artist Cy Baker and local creatives Line-ee and Vijay to explore how nature, place and observations can inspire artistic expression. The exhibition features a new series of drawings by Cy Baker, created in response to Bottengoms and its garden, alongside artwork produced by local creatives during an Inspired by Nature workshop led by Cy Baker. 

The exhibition is inspired by the landscape of Bottengoms, the former home of writer Ronald Blythe and artists John and Christine Nash. Artist Cy Baker and local creatives explore the connection between nature and place, bringing together different creative responses so visitors can experience the natural environment through the eyes of these local artists. 

Cy Baker’s involvement with Bottengoms follows his wider work using art to support and communicate the importance of nature conservation. In 2025, Baker collaborated with The Wildlife Trusts to create artworks inspired by more than 50 nature reserves across the UK, culminating in a national charity auction which raised funds for nature recovery. Drawn to Bottengoms and its setting, Cy created a series of twelve sketches and a one-of-a-kind artwork using biro and oil exploring the house, garden and surrounding landscape. His drawings reflect the particularly close relationship between inside and outside at Bottengoms, capturing the building within the landscape which is part of the living environment around it.  

Bottengoms, now managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, has a significant connection to the artistic and literary heritage of the Essex countryside. Ronald Blyth, John and Christine Nash all found inspiration in the surrounding landscape, making it a fitting source of inspiration for a contemporary exhibition celebrating the relationship between creativity and nature.  

The exhibition also brings together work created through Inspired by Nature, a creative workshop led by Cy Baker during his collaboration with Essex Wildlife Trust. Working with local creatives, the workshop explored how careful observations of the natural world can influence artistic practice, reflecting the approach to nature and creativity associated with John Nash and Ronald Blythe.  

"This is our second Bottengoms-inspired exhibition and is an exciting milestone for our second year of the project! From the beginning, we've wanted creatives of all kinds to be part of the story, helping to document this chapter in the life of a very special site and exploring the relationship between people and nature. Our vision is for Bottengoms to be a place where nature inspires creativity, and creativity helps inspire a deeper connection with the natural world. While science helps us understand what is happening to nature, art tells us why it matters – and we need both to inspire care, understanding, and action for a wilder future." 

Lucy Gallard, Project Manager, Bottengoms, Essex Wildlife Trust 

"To be involved in such a special project, with its elements of art, nature, history and deeply personal human connection is a huge privilege. Bottengoms is a magical place, which feels slightly separated from the world outside its boundaries. Whilst there, you can feel the calming effects of the natural world and the life of its previous inhabitants, especially Ronald Blyth, who was such an inspiration, work into you. As a result, I’ve tried to capture that sense of calming otherworldliness and to incorporate Ronnie’s writings, and his spirit, as much as possible. It’s been a real honour." 

Cy Baker, Award Winning Artist  

The exhibition will be opening to visitors at Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Centre, Church Road, Colchester, CO2 0EU from Saturday 24 October – Friday 6 November 

Entry to the exhibition is free, with free parking available at the Nature Discovery Centre. Artwork will be available to purchase.  

Find out more about The House of Art and Nature Exhibition | Essex Wildlife Trust 

Find out more about  Bottengoms | Essex Wildlife Trust